| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Old Spirit |
Posted - Dec 26 2011 : 2:22:58 PM
Well I have decided to declutter for the new year. Not only physical stuff but mentally as well. My plan is to 1.Clear the garbage out of of my head, work on my relationship with God. 2. Go through things and get rid of what is not needed. 3. Buy only what is a true need, not a want.
That is the start. Anyone interested in going on the journey with me is welcome, could certainly use support along the way.
Would like to see where I am in 3, 6, etc months from now.
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Annie S |
Posted - Feb 11 2012 : 12:40:25 PM
Hi ladies. Sounds like we've all sort of hit a wall with all our decluttering and cleaning. Me too. But I let myself take some time off - nothing is going anywhere and will be there tomorrow or whenever I can get to it.
Lorraine, that is so sad about your friend. Just hope that nothing bad happens to her in the mean time. Have seen on that Hoarding show on TV that some people's houses have burned and the people barely got out. Or the person had a medical emergency and the EMT's couldn't get in to the person.
Rae, congratulations. Way to go!! |
| Tea Lady |
Posted - Feb 11 2012 : 10:00:18 AM
Andrea - I'm going through an unmotivated phase too. However, I tried to find something this morning and couldn't. I thought I knew where it "should" be - but it wasn't. So it seems I need to get back to it. I hope to get a lot done this weekend.
Another motivator - I have a friend who is a horrible packrat. She's wonderful person but won't throw anything out. She's in her 60s and her house is packed to the rafters - its a fairly good size house and she lives alone - she has A LOT of stuff. Before the holidays, four of my friends got together and the pack-rat friend told all of us that as soon as she retires(in ~ 5 years!) she's going to tackle the clutter and start selling things on ebay. I suggested she do a drawer at at time - you know, start small. She told us she might do a few things while she was off during the holidays. But my other friend, who lives near her, said she hasn't done a thing. I feel bad for her - she won't have anyone at her house and her adult children are frustrated too... So, when I see things piling up or some clutter - I think of my friend and get rid of it!
With that said, I know how easy it is to turn a blind eye toward something when you're busy. I've had a couple busy weeks and I think that's why I'm unmotivated - I'm just tired. So, its really important to do a little bit as often as you can. And Andrea, I know what you mean about it looking worse for a while. That's why its important to get the stuff over to the resale shop or wherever you take it ASAP.
Yes - let's keep chipping away at it...
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
| Old Spirit |
Posted - Feb 10 2012 : 08:56:36 AM
It is ok to to take a break, we all need to regroup once in a while  I paid off another bill yippeee and continue to go through things. I am not hitting it quite as fast but a little here and there each weekend, adds up in the end.
Good luck to all!
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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| AutumnSpices |
Posted - Feb 10 2012 : 06:37:04 AM
I have been so proud of myself lately in making my way through this clutter and piles of paper. I'm to the point of pulling out 'hidden' boxes and bags from the deepest recesses of closets and cubby holes. My husband has not been quiet so sure at times. It gives the appearance at times of my mess increasing instead of decreasing. It seems daunting but I'm keeping my thoughts focused on the ultimate goal of having a decluttered life.
Question: Has anyone hit a wall? 
I cleaned and cleaned and cleaned yesterday. Today all I want to do is rest and 'zone out'. I think I need to give myself permission to take a break. At times I think we all do. Right now it's a good reason to take a rest, sip some hot coffee and check in on my MJF sisters. 
Blessings!
Andrea |
| Tea Lady |
Posted - Feb 06 2012 : 3:30:59 PM
Annie - I cleaned out my freezer today too. Ugh... No fun and frustrating. I was so disappointed with all the freezer burn stuff. But it looks a lot better now!
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
| Annie S |
Posted - Feb 06 2012 : 2:20:20 PM
Isn's it amazing that the de-cluttering of our cupboards and closets, etc. de-clutters our inner self. I sure noticed it when I did my cleaning out process. Like you Rae, I live way too far out of town to have a rummage sale, so all my stuff goes to Goodwill. Tax deduction at the end of the year!!!! And it goes to a good cause. Even my daughter says she's starting to clean out her place now. Next is to conquer the garage shelves and chest freezer. Cleaned out the freezer and fridge last week and wow what a difference. Couldn't believe the freezer burned stuff I had! |
| levisgrammy |
Posted - Feb 04 2012 : 7:46:15 PM
Been doing very well with the box idea. I find many things I didn't think I would part with going in the box and so far I have not missed one thing that I have gotten rid of. Looking forward to having a lighter,cleaner home.
farm girl sister#43
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
O, a trouble's a ton or a trouble's an ounce,
Or a trouble is what you make it!
And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts,
But only--how did you take it?
--Edmund C. Vance.
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| Old Spirit |
Posted - Feb 02 2012 : 03:03:39 AM
One womans declutter anothers gold mine I live too far out for a rummage sale but great ideas! Nice to get a little in return if you can and invest in something else!
The battle of the "too much" continues here but it continues. Also on the $ end almost have another bill paid off, goal is no later than March so.....
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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| countrymommy85 |
Posted - Feb 01 2012 : 7:36:19 PM
I decided to have a rummage sale this year and whatever doesn't sell I will donate to places that can use whatever is left whether it be the pregnancy center, rainbow house or homeless shelter and whatever I have left that doesn't fit into those categories I'll put on free cycle or take it to good will. So far so good this year! I've gotten a lot done so far and while I, personally can't tell, other people can :) I feel good about it thought, simplifying and decluttering my environment feels so good! I'm hoping to do well for the rummage sale later this spring once I'm done decluttering everything that way what I make can go into getting some crafting supplies and some repurposing projects!!!
Mothers are those wonderful people who can get up in the morning before the smell of coffee. ~Author Unknown
http://countryrenaissance.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SunflowersAndHoney |
| AutumnSpices |
Posted - Jan 30 2012 : 5:14:32 PM
Thanks Lorraine!
I hauled off several boxes of books this past week to our local resale store. I was so pleased with myself that I didn't come home with more than a Nancy Drew book for our DD. I'm starting to declutter the closets & all the clothes; boxes, and boxes of clothes! Here in Knoxville we have several large resale events so I've signed up to sale all the excess clothing the 1st weekend of March. I'm hoping to make enough $$ to put back toward paint & other house improvements. It's slow going at times but I'm seeing some progress. I'm doing as much as I can so I can have freed up time this Spring for the garden.
How is everyone else's progress going?
Andrea |
| Tea Lady |
Posted - Jan 30 2012 : 4:10:41 PM
Andrea - I would suggest doing a little bit each day - and like Rae mentioned, start with something small. If you try to do a whole room, you'll get overwhelmed. Also, I always keep a box to use as a central place to collect all the excess stuff - its amazing how quickly it fills up. And yes - I agree with Rae again - get it out of the house right away. Put it in your car and next time you're running errands - make sure you make it to the Goodwill or whatever you have close.
I'm still doing well and went through more kitchen cabinets. They are looking so much nicer - and its such a treat to not have to dig through so much clutter to find the one thing I'm looking for... With that said, there's still lots to do. I have to go through my bookcases next. Yikes...
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
| Old Spirit |
Posted - Jan 24 2012 : 03:06:20 AM
Andrea we went from a 4 bedroom house to a one room cabin so I understand what you are going through! We were going to build but decided to put the money into our farm instead and as all of you know that isn't cheap when you start with 0.
I started with dressers first as that made room for stuff not able to fit there. Once you have things to get rid of do it! Don't wait get it out ASAP. We have a used store in town next to me I donate to if I don't have anyone I know that can use the stuff. Otherwise Goodwills and Salvation Army are good places to drop as well.
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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| AutumnSpices |
Posted - Jan 23 2012 : 6:48:39 PM
Hey All!
Thank you so much for starting this thread!
My house is a MESS! Boxes and clutter everywhere. It's what my husband and I get for buying a house with no attic and no basement. Add homeschooling 3 kids and well, you get the idea .....
I need the sister support to keep me accountable on getting this place cleaned up and squared away.
I haven't the time to check out the websites but will check them out for the scheduling sheets.
Idea: Post your top five organizing tips.....
because I don't have any! 
((Hugs to Everyone))
Andrea |
| Rosemary |
Posted - Jan 22 2012 : 08:35:31 AM
Jessica, that site looks great! Thank you for sharing it. Rae, I applaud you for starting this thread. We can all relate! |
| countrymommy85 |
Posted - Jan 21 2012 : 08:12:36 AM
This is also on my list of things to do this coming year!!! So glad you started this topic! I started the Power of a Praying Wife book and study guide and have been trying to purge through things. I LOVE the decluttering calendar and although it's already mid January I'm going to start up on it. That will help me keep things in perspective so I don't over do it, which I often do with 3 kids under 3, surgery I'm still trying to recover from! Thanks for sharing, I'm on the decluttering wagon with you all!!!
Mothers are those wonderful people who can get up in the morning before the smell of coffee. ~Author Unknown
http://countryrenaissance.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SunflowersAndHoney |
| Annie S |
Posted - Jan 20 2012 : 1:25:58 PM
Went through some more totes and containers in my craft closet and got rid of even more stuff. I had gotten needlepoint kits, etc. to do and have never opened them up. To Goodwill they go. Also some other things that I've had stuffed away for years and have never used, so why not donate them so someone else could get some use out it them. The closet is looking so much better now. Only problem I now have is that my spare bedroom is stuffed with all the donate items in bags and boxes! Definetly have to make a run to Goodwill next week.
Sounds like everyone is doing a smashing good job on the decluttering. Keep up the good work ladies. |
| Tea Lady |
Posted - Jan 19 2012 : 3:41:17 PM
The first box went already and I've got another one almost ready to go to St. Vincent's... It feels good. I'm still working at it - but definitely making progress.
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
| Annie S |
Posted - Jan 18 2012 : 4:02:49 PM
Finally went through my craft closet and I'm so happy with myself. Have four bags of yarn and stuff to donate to Goodwill next week and had three bags of garbage - that on top of the other stuff I've got in boxes. Probably could do more, but will see how things go and can always do it later. This was a big accomplishment for me. Next on my de-cluttering list is the spare room closet. |
| Old Spirit |
Posted - Jan 17 2012 : 12:47:16 PM
Hello all!! Well have a tiny bit more space in the house! Also working on the not spending and keep focus on paying bills, so far so good. Feels good to see the balances going down and not constantly up.
How is everyone doing?
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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| Tea Lady |
Posted - Jan 08 2012 : 3:41:08 PM
I'm doing fairly well too. I have a box started to donate after going through my dresser and closet. I've been leaning on DH to go through his stuff too. I'm still amazed at how much stuff we have and never use. It feels good to get it out of the house. Thanks for starting this Rae.
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
| Annie S |
Posted - Jan 08 2012 : 3:16:46 PM
We also got a gift card from a friend for Christmas this year and I plan on using it to get meat at the local grocery store. Every little bit helps no matter how much it is. We got a box of Omaha steaks, etc. from DH's kids for Christmas which really helps with the grocery budget too.
Hey, Rae! Good to see you. |
| Annie S |
Posted - Jan 08 2012 : 3:12:04 PM
Have got three boxes going in the spare bedroom of "stuff" I'm going to donate - books, candles, tons of picture frames from DH's decluttering of his photo albums a couple of weeks ago. But there will be more. Held onto a lot of my mother's stuff when we cleaned out her house when she passed and think I'm ready to let go and donate them too - not all, but will keep a couple things. Then it's onto my craft closet. I know I keep saying this, but it's on my list for 2012 as is the cupboards in the kitchen. Trying to do just one little thing per day or putting one thing in my donation box every day. It's working. I'm feeling more and more de-cluttered every day. Yippy!!!! |
| levisgrammy |
Posted - Jan 08 2012 : 09:51:57 AM
I too am working on de-cluttering this year. I have a huge start but more needs to go. I want my square footage back and to be neat and tidy so I can see what I have and need. Thanks for all the links everyone has shared.
farm girl sister#43
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
O, a trouble's a ton or a trouble's an ounce,
Or a trouble is what you make it!
And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts,
But only--how did you take it?
--Edmund C. Vance.
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| MrsRooster |
Posted - Jan 08 2012 : 07:57:41 AM
Found a nice small grocery store that is just basically across the street. Prices are good, meat looks better, and the veggies are grown in the USA. Kroger and Walmart are full of veggies that aren't grown here.
I am going to be trying crockpot meals, casserole, and freezer cooking.
I put out a cardboard box for my daughter. I told her put all the little pieces from the closet in the box. I also put out a plastic bin for lil pet ships, and a stacker of two bins for Playmoble. So we are going to make a place for everything instead of all thrown in a big bin in the closet. I am going to be putting a to donate bin by the front door.
We will be bringing more boxes in from my SIL's house. That is where alot of my stuff still is. I am trying not to let that clutter my apartment. We have a storage locker. It is about the size of a shed. I hate the 72.00 a month we have to pay for it. But I can store my fiestaware and other stuff that I don't want to clog up the apartment with right now. I don't know how long we will be in the apartment, so I guess it is the best solution right now. Please I know that my depression glass and such are ok because it is climate controlled.
www.mrsrooster.blogspot.com
www.flossesandcrosses.blogspot.com
www.morganicinstitute.blogspot.com
Farmgirl #1259
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| Old Spirit |
Posted - Jan 08 2012 : 05:03:27 AM
Hello all! Well I continue on my journey. Went grocery shopping yesterday with my gift cards from Christmas, yes that is what I wanted. I am proud of my self no nonsense stuff, just stuff that we NEED. That can be tough sometimes in Walmart but we are good now again for a long time, soaps, toothpaste the whole bit kind of shopping.
How is everyone else doing??
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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