Let it GO! Decluttering (simplifying) your life of (people, places or things) success stories?
Replies
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SoManyCookies wrote: »Awesome post!
I am going through the same... 6 months ago I started looking at my finances, my overflowing closet, my cluttered house and the pantry.... Realized that I live a life of EXCESS and it shows. I started attacking my finances first, I had a plan. I started de-cluttering, and haven't looked back. I minimized my spending, have paid off almost all of my debt, started a morning routine that I am proud of, and have created a side business for myself. Last weekend I went over to a friends house and helped her de-clutter her closet!
I am, by no definition, a minimalist. But I am working towards living within my means. Only having what brings purpose and joy to my life and getting out of the rut that my life in excess has created for me.
Stay strong on your journey and thank you for sharing!
@SoManyCookies
Hahaha, not sure I read this fully yesterday, but today I worked for over an hour on my finances spreadsheet.
Now I have a much clearer picture of income and expenses.
I think I only had the courage to do this after I resolved last week to have a bit of a No Spend November.
With Chrimbo coming up, I'm not going to buy any clothes for myself, and not browse in Target.
I can buy gifts for others, and food/cleaning/necessities, but no clothes, shoes, or browsing for me.2 -
RubyRed427 wrote: »Do you ever find yourself decluttering the same area or rooms? I can organize and clean a room and then a month later, it looks cluttered again. What a time waster. I need to figure this thing out.
Good question, @RubyRed427 ! Sometimes cleaning can turn into decluttering. Fine line between the two.
This week I re-did my long-sleeve-top drawer and my sock drawer. I'm throwing out some old things that have been unworn for over 12 months.
Yesterday I did lots of sweeping with the brushpan and broom (great NEAT tip!) and put away lots of notes on scraps of paper and bits of stuff that had collected on my bedside table. Lots of walking from room-to-room.
Today I made a file for my health records and did my finance spreadsheet.
It takes a long time to find places for all the types of things we own.
I try not to stress about the things that gather during the week or over a couple of weeks that include a weekend away.
I know that I can restore order on an average weekend.3 -
RubyRed427 wrote: »Do you ever find yourself decluttering the same area or rooms? I can organize and clean a room and then a month later, it looks cluttered again. What a time waster. I need to figure this thing out.
I've run into the same situation (many times). I've started putting things I'm not sure where to put them, on the couch, because its in my face. If I know where it goes, I put it away. I'm trying to take 15 minutes a day to keep things in order. Hopefully it'll become a habit.1 -
Thank you all! I've had the desire to downsize and get rid of clutter, but haven't made much progress. Just as I can shed pounds, I can shed "stuff!" I won't be satisfied until I get it done. Thank you for encouraging me.4
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I've been using this site for a couple of years now. It really helped me with getting rid of unwanted clutter and organise what was left. There are several challenges. I started with the 15-minutes-a-day one. You get step-by-step suggestions on how to declutter a bit at a time.
https://www.home-storage-solutions-101.com5 -
TerriRichardson112 wrote: »I've been using this site for a couple of years now. It really helped me with getting rid of unwanted clutter and organise what was left. There are several challenges. I started with the 15-minutes-a-day one. You get step-by-step suggestions on how to declutter a bit at a time.
https://www.home-storage-solutions-101.com
Cool! I'll check this out! (I'm already in the midst of my own de-cluttering challenge, but it's taking me forever...)
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😎 Oops! Double posted. Lol!0
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RubyRed427 wrote: »Do you ever find yourself decluttering the same area or rooms? I can organize and clean a room and then a month later, it looks cluttered again. What a time waster. I need to figure this thing out.
{{{{*Hugs*}}}}} Girl. PLEASE know that you are so NOT alone. There is NO "I've got this" in this business of decluttering NOR weight-loss blastification. The word/business we MUST embrace is MAINTENANCE. Getting something or other (be it LET IT GO AND DON'T LOOK BACK AT weight management , a relationship, decluttering, literally anything one desires) is one BIG OLE thing--keeping it/maintaining it is a whole nother kettle of fish, it TRULY is. Let me encourage you and give you a big ole HIGH FIVE on doing what you have/are accomplishing in your precious life and bigger than that, even considering change/changing in your life--that makes you so special and powerful too. So WAY TO GO on the huge changes you're making in your life. That just so ROCKS, period. Let's consider decluttering as something as "dramatic or wild" as changing y/our underwear or taking baths and showers. YES, we can and some do wait a month to take care of that business. But how, ummmmm, "refreshing" it is to change your undergarments or take a bath/shower at least once a week, right? If doing these things make you feel better/refreshed, IMAGINE how changing undergarments and taking a bath or shower daily will make you look and feel. MAKE yourself see decluttering as a "daily" thing. NO all or nothing thing, perhaps just a wee bit of tidying here or there. Or instead of putting something it that room...examine it--do you REALLY need/want it? If not, throw that sucker away or give it away. As you practice this, it WILL get better and better. My moto is practice makes better NOT perfect.
Clutter is a sneaking rascal--much like weight gain, it doesn't come all at once, but creeps up on us if we're not watchful--UGH, here comes 10 extra pounds almost seemingly overnight. The TRUTH is it wasn't overnight, but little by little. Take your time in this battle--ALWAYS remembering that "hurry" or being anxious or impatient=YUCK, have nothing whatsoever to do with embracing nor allowing "hurry" in this business. When (not IF, but WHEN) that
of "I've GOT to do this NOW or any type of anxiety raises up in you, REBUKE it (use "self-talk" to yourself or even outloud" saying something like "I see you anxiety, GET OUTTA MY HEAD AND HEART" then tell yourself something like "I love struggle, it's hard but it's helping me to CHANGE, so bring it" and forsake and LET IT GO (frustration and yuck about not getting stuff done as quickly or correctly as you "imagine" you want it to be done) do this immediately, recognizing/understanding/realizing that it's something "negative" trying to get you to give up and be all angry and frustrated and TRICKING you into doing something "counter-productive" like, well anything you've given up/forsaken or have CHOSEN to have doing to do with anymore--REFUSE to "allow" struggles in one area "TRICK" yourself into going back to some other area you're winner at, in the name of "I'm frustrated, irritated, not getting it right and whatevah. DON'T BUY IT--TAKE YOUR TIME, PERIOD.
Just doing as our Terri suggested perhaps 15 minutes per day OR even better, just 5 minutes per day and work your way up. Let me say once more, PLEASE KNOW YOU ARE NOT ALONE...WE'RE ALL STRUGGLING IN SOME AREA and these struggles are there to teach us a new/better way of thinking, living and being. You're beautiful, inside and out--ALWAYS remember that, okay?
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TerriRichardson112 wrote: »RubyRed427 wrote: »Do you ever find yourself decluttering the same area or rooms? I can organize and clean a room and then a month later, it looks cluttered again. What a time waster. I need to figure this thing out.
If you don't clear up as you go along this happens. I clean my bathroom sink each morning, otherwise it gets grotty really quickly, especially as Hubster doesn't seem to realise it needs cleaned. Lol!TerriRichardson112 wrote: »I've been using this site for a couple of years now. It really helped me with getting rid of unwanted clutter and organise what was left. There are several challenges. I started with the 15-minutes-a-day one. You get step-by-step suggestions on how to declutter a bit at a time.
https://www.home-storage-solutions-101.com
{{{{{{ Terri }}}}}}}} You're fabulous, period. and THANK YOU so much for your posting, it's helping more than you know and more people than you can imagine. You ROCK, period. 3 -
Orphia~
Thank you Boo, you're the bombdotcom, period.2 -
FarmerCarla wrote: »Thank you all! I've had the desire to downsize and get rid of clutter, but haven't made much progress. Just as I can shed pounds, I can shed "stuff!" I won't be satisfied until I get it done. Thank you for encouraging me.
Welcome aboard you winner! I love the way you think and thank you so much for contributing to this thread--YAY YOU!!!! 0 -
TerriRichardson112 wrote: »I've been using this site for a couple of years now. It really helped me with getting rid of unwanted clutter and organise what was left. There are several challenges. I started with the 15-minutes-a-day one. You get step-by-step suggestions on how to declutter a bit at a time.
https://www.home-storage-solutions-101.com
Cool! I'll check this out! (I'm already in the midst of my own de-cluttering challenge, but it's taking me forever...)
Girfriend--you're doing what so many people wouldn't dream nor think of doing...you're starting and that's everything. Good news is decluttering like weight-loss is a forever thing. We're never done with it--once everything is in order (in the weight blastification and decluttering), there is good ole maintenance to contend with. Thank you ever so very much for contributing to this thread. {{{{ Hugs }}}}} 1 -
TerriRichardson112 wrote: »I swapped out my summer for winter clothes and got rid of a bin bag full of clothes which didn't fit or flatter me. I have a few pairs of pants which I can take in, and will buy a minimum of new clothes this season. I'm making a rule for November.
1 garment in = 2 garments out. I reckon that will weed out the rest of the dross
I so LOVE this November rule Terri and am SO adopting it for myself--THANK YOU ever so very much for sharing this, again I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!
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This afternoon/evening I was struggling to get a colander out of the cupboard. I realized that there was a steamer dish causing the issue. It was a 3 part dish, but I'd thrown the other pieces away years ago. Why didn't I throw it out? NO IDEA! I haven't used it in 13 years, its in my way, but there it was! Things truly become invisible because you see it every day. I threw it out...finally. Made me wonder what else I don't see!8
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Hey what's happening gang?!?
Well...today I met my 6+ years on Mfp goal of 154.4lbs--I am officially no longer obese, no longer overweight and on the high-side of "normal-average" BMI weight. Wow--Thank you Jesus!
Also, when I entered my update, it (for the first time in YEARS of being on Mfp) it did NOT register the official pounds lost (ya know, the "NewLifestyle4me" lost so and so amount since last weighting in--disappointing and I tried everything to get it to show up in my feed, but no pasa nada/not working --counting it ALL joy thought, REFUSE to allow the "little foxes" to spoil my vine, period and hmmmph! 
Okay, so here's the stats. The last time I dropped any fat was 9 days ago, putting me at 155.8--today down 1.4lbs, so as of today, I'm a wee lil ole 154.4lbs=that's 65.4 big ole ugly and unhealthy pounds of fat/excess pounds and ounces FOREVER gone to where the sun will NEVER shine and meeting my GOAL, mega BOOM and SUPER YAY!!
I'm going to be changing my goals soon, just gonna embrace this meeting of my oh so long goal. I'll soon change my new goal to 137lbs (WOW). We'll see though, if 140-145lbs looks and feel right, I'll stop there. I'm so happy y'all....once more, may I just say BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMM!
Your Body Mass Index: 24.92
24.9=Normal BMI
Underweight< 18.5
Normal18.5 - 24.99
Overweight25 - 29.99
Obese> 30
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More info--(mainly for my records)
This SBMI chart shows your BMI value and its age-dependent significance for the health. Your value is marked in the center of the highlighted area.
Calculation
The calculation of the body mass index is based on a height of 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) and a weight of 154.4 pounds (69.9 kilograms).
BMI = 25
Your body mass index (BMI) is calculated as exactly 24.9 kilograms per square meter.
Health aspects
Your weight is at the level that, in our view, should be optimal for health. By classification of the WHO, you are "normal weight". With a good balance of body fat and muscle mass, your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar values are likely to remain at moderate levels. You would then seem to be well-protected against a heart attack, stroke or diabetes. This might be less so if your body fat is higher with a lower muscle mass, if you consume tobacco, other drugs or too much alcohol, lack physical activity or sleep, eat unhealthy food, or suffer from stress and other unhealthy life factors.
SBMI = 36/70 This assessment is based on the newly developed Smart Body Mass Index. Its ideal range is between 30/70 and 39/70.Your Smart Body Mass Index (SBMI) is calculated as 36/70 or "36 points out of 70".
Weight stability A stable weight at this level is fine, especially if you keep fit.
Your SBMI will decrease by about one point within ten years if you manage to keep your 154 pounds stable. This is due to the fact that the optimal, i.e. the "healthiest" BMI range increases with age, thus reaching higher BMI values.
Weight management? This is no issue for you, luckily. But you may want to consider some suggestions that are well-advised, not only for weight reasons.
Nutrition Eat a variety of foods that you like, optimally including five servings of fruit and/or vegetables a day. Avoid eating too sweet, too fat and too much.
Physical activity Do physical exercise at least for half an hour daily at moderate to vigorous intensity. Walking or cycling may be better for your joints than jogging.3 -
NewLIFEstyle4ME wrote: »Hey what's happening gang?!?
Well...today I met my 6+ years on Mfp goal of 154.4lbs--I am officially no longer obese, no longer overweight and on the high-side of "normal-average" BMI weight. Wow--Thank you Jesus!
Also, when I entered my update, it (for the first time in YEARS of being on Mfp) it did NOT register the official pounds lost (ya know, the "NewLifestyle4me" lost so and so amount since last weighting in--disappointing and I tried everything to get it to show up in my feed, but no pasa nada/not working --counting it ALL joy thought, REFUSE to allow the "little foxes" to spoil my vine, period and hmmmph!
Okay, so here's the stats. The last time I dropped any fat was 9 days ago, putting me at 155.8--today down 1.4lbs, so as of today, I'm a wee lil ole 154.4lbs=that's 65.4 big ole ugly and unhealthy pounds of fat/excess pounds and ounces FOREVER gone to where the sun will NEVER shine and meeting my GOAL, mega BOOM and SUPER YAY!!
I'm going to be changing my goals soon, just gonna embrace this meeting of my oh so long goal. I'll soon change my new goal to 137lbs (WOW). We'll see though, if 140-145lbs looks and feel right, I'll stop there. I'm so happy y'all....once more, may I just say BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMM!
Your Body Mass Index: 24.92
24.9=Normal BMI
Underweight< 18.5
Normal18.5 - 24.99
Overweight25 - 29.99
Obese> 30
CONGRATULATIONS! I'm so happy for you! This really is so inspiring. I'm seeing and feeling a difference since starting the declutter process, though the scale hasn't moved much. I figure that if my clothes are falling off, I'm improving no matter what number is on the scale.
THANK YOU for this thread! Everyone has such good ideas!4 -
Dusted the house. But as I dusted. I had a garbage bag with me and got rid of little things I had that no longer have meaning. Also, pared down my holiday decorations- too many decorations look like a mismatch of things.
Got a binder , whole punched all the medical monthly bills and notices of service for easier reference.
Today, I’ll go through the pantry to donate for a local food bank things that I’ve had but dont use. *Of course, never donate anything expired.
Got all my nail polish, files, nail polish remover... and put it all in one box instead of separate drawers.8 -
NewLIFEstyle4ME wrote: »Hey what's happening gang?!?
Well...today I met my 6+ years on Mfp goal of 154.4lbs--I am officially no longer obese, no longer overweight and on the high-side of "normal-average" BMI weight. Wow--Thank you Jesus!
Also, when I entered my update, it (for the first time in YEARS of being on Mfp) it did NOT register the official pounds lost (ya know, the "NewLifestyle4me" lost so and so amount since last weighting in--disappointing and I tried everything to get it to show up in my feed, but no pasa nada/not working --counting it ALL joy thought, REFUSE to allow the "little foxes" to spoil my vine, period and hmmmph!
Okay, so here's the stats. The last time I dropped any fat was 9 days ago, putting me at 155.8--today down 1.4lbs, so as of today, I'm a wee lil ole 154.4lbs=that's 65.4 big ole ugly and unhealthy pounds of fat/excess pounds and ounces FOREVER gone to where the sun will NEVER shine and meeting my GOAL, mega BOOM and SUPER YAY!!
I'm going to be changing my goals soon, just gonna embrace this meeting of my oh so long goal. I'll soon change my new goal to 137lbs (WOW). We'll see though, if 140-145lbs looks and feel right, I'll stop there. I'm so happy y'all....once more, may I just say BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMM!
Your Body Mass Index: 24.92
24.9=Normal BMI
Underweight< 18.5
Normal18.5 - 24.99
Overweight25 - 29.99
Obese> 30
CONGRATULATIONS! I'm so happy for you! This really is so inspiring. I'm seeing and feeling a difference since starting the declutter process, though the scale hasn't moved much. I figure that if my clothes are falling off, I'm improving no matter what number is on the scale.
THANK YOU for this thread! Everyone has such good ideas!
YAY you and me too Snoo...just YAY!!!! Isn't it utterly amazing this business of decluttering has literally helped/is helping us get down to size--almost WITHOUT the scale! I'm so VERY happy to hear "clothes are falling off of you", I totally know/experience this same thing. I'm thinking these N.E.A.T. exercising we're doing is a tremendous influence/help in our weight blastification AND decluttering goals. I love it. Thank you so much for your wonderful/encouraging reply. {{{ Hugs }}}
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Decluttering files:
Operation LET IT GO and DON'T LOOK BACK...old jewelry
Looking thru several drawers this morning I've found another area I've ignored in my decluttering adventure--old jewelry. I've got quite a bit of "stuff" that is missing the mate, some broken and lots that is just old and ugly and I haven't used or even looked at in years. Like the missing socks issue that I defeated a few weeks ago. Today I'll "attack and conquer/utterly defeat" the old ugly jewelry issues in/from the jewelry drawers! I LOVE this decluttering "business"...it's NEVER, I've "got this" NOR I'm done!
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NewLIFEstyle4ME wrote: »Decluttering files:
Operation LET IT GO and DON'T LOOK BACK...old jewelry
Looking thru several drawers this morning I've found another area I've ignored in my decluttering adventure--old jewelry. I've got quite a bit of "stuff" that is missing the mate, some broken and lots that is just old and ugly and I haven't used or even looked at in years. Like the missing socks issue that I defeated a few weeks ago. Today I'll "attack and conquer/utterly defeat" the old ugly jewelry issues in/from the jewelry drawers! I LOVE this decluttering "business"...it's NEVER, I've "got this" NOR I'm done!
Jewelry is something I need to deal with too. Its so daunting, but I have to add it to my list. One jewelry box at a time. Only way I'll get it done.1 -
RubyRed427 wrote: »Dusted the house. But as I dusted. I had a garbage bag with me and got rid of little things I had that no longer have meaning. Also, pared down my holiday decorations- too many decorations look like a mismatch of things.
Got a binder , whole punched all the medical monthly bills and notices of service for easier reference.
Today, I’ll go through the pantry to donate for a local food bank things that I’ve had but dont use. *Of course, never donate anything expired.
Got all my nail polish, files, nail polish remover... and put it all in one box instead of separate drawers.
I love your "drag a garbage bag around with you" idea!1 -
This all hits home so much. I’ll be downsizing for awhile this next year. It will be in all areas of my life. I started some downsizing in 2018 and will continue.
You are an inspiration to me.5 -
I’m moving in 6 weeks. I have two suitcases that’s all I’ve got to take my stuff in.
In my head I’ve already started thinking “that won’t be coming”. Will make packing so much easier6 -
Hey gang! {{{{*smiling and enthusiastically waving Hi*}}}}
I wanted to share one the the songs I dance to (with all my might) as I'm doing my N.E.A.T.ersizing when sweeping, dusting, ironing and cleaning/MAINTAINING my decluttering wins. I double dog DARE you to listen to this song (you HAVE to BLAST it though) and you will literally feel energized and ready to face the clutter dragons and destroying them (DAILY)
https://youtu.be/EEunTpiOY6g
PLEASE feel free to share some songs you listen/dance to as you're decluttering! IF you do not dance while decluterring...TRY IT--you're going to LOVE IT
P.S. When I first started doing this as N.E.A.T. exercising, I couldn't dance thru an entire song, would start losing steam within minutes, as you get down to size, you will be able to dance to/thru entire songs, even more than one song...it's MARVELOUS!!!!!!!!5 -
Working on this myself ... kinda hard I always feel I’ll need it...😛2
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I have been reading these a lot & commenting some, but yesterday I finally started my decluttering. I had a huge pile of papers on the file cabinet
(good place for it, right?) So I filed, shredded, recycled and cleared the whole thing off..also straightened the bookcase beside it. Makes me feel so much more peaceful to be in my "office". (Really just computer room, but not so guilty about being on computer now, lol) 6 -
Even of ridding myself of toxic relationships, which I use to think impossible and too scary to do, BAM! I don't miss a single one and actually am at sooo much peace/contentment and even joy without them. Letting "stuff" (people, places and things that contributes to one's self-destruction--even if "LETTING GO" may mean even if the person is still in your life, NO LONGER going along to get along and "minimizing" contact, fellowship and company of said toxic person...NO longer allowing them to have your "power over and in you and NO influence whatsover, no matter who or what or where" and not giving them a split second of your peace of mind or "inner-space" AKA learning to say "NO" and with a loving, but I MEAN BUSINESS spirit/attitude, period. TO TOXIC PEOPLE AND EVEN YOURSELF WHEN YOU FEEL THAT yucky thang coming on and over you-refusing with total and uncompromising giving way/place to any person, place or thing that hinders your walk and new way of thinking, living, being, period.) and once we do learn to say NO and mean it consistently, how y/our general unhealthy thinking and living is minimized and is so FREEING, like a monkey and albatross off of your neck and back. YAY, thanks so much for posting this--I didn't even think of it until you posted. YAY YOU!!!!
I've gotten rid of several toxic people including two family members I cut contact with. My life is much more peaceful. Now i have to work on the clutter. lol4 -
Question to those who got rid of bad relationships...how did you do it ? Simply stopped talking to them? Did you let them know you were going to stop?
Thanks!
Two of them I just stopped talking to, and didn't respond if they tried to contact me. One of them would have made an argument about it if I'd told her why because no one has a valid opinion about anything but her.
Two family members had been treating me like crap for awhile and I finally called them out on it, so they quit talking to ME. They're a little harder to avoid but I manage. Part of the problem with them is they had events and never invited us so they help make it easier to avoid them.
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