| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| katiedid |
Posted - Sep 30 2006 : 5:47:39 PM
Hello FarmGirls
How do you gals keep clutter from taking over your life? I have 4 girls, and we live in a pretty small house. We are getting lost in clothes, shoes, papers, toys, dolls, etc...Not to mention I am having a heck of a time keeping up on my laundry...these girls change their clothes like 7X a day!
I really want to have a peaceful home, but where to start.
Help!
Love
Kate
my new blog http/www.theknifemakerswife.wordpress.com |
| 23 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Hideaway Farmgirl |
Posted - Oct 18 2006 : 05:53:55 AM
Lizabeth: How is the card system working since you posted on October 2nd? I am wondering if I should take the time (sigh, what spare time?) to make out the cards and start this myself.
Jonni: I am lucky to have "enough" pantry storage and I try hard to keep my shopping list uptodate...as soon as I am low on something I put it on the list, and have one in reserve. Keep your reserve items together, even in a box/bin under your bed/basement/garage if you have to, so you can "run to the store" just by going downstairs or down the hall. Then make sure you re-stock items for the next time. If I get a gresat deal and buy multiples, I keep them in the reserve section. Try keeping just the items you are using in your kitchen, and maybe empty a cabinet that stores seldome used appliances/dishes and put those things under the bed, etc., and use the cabinet as your home "store."
I'd love to hear what others do to keep their pantries organized!
Jo |
| KYgurlsrbest |
Posted - Oct 09 2006 : 06:49:24 AM
This is a great topic! I like to imagine that I'm organized, but I live with a man who could sleep in a pig sty if need be. We also have been renovating our little Arts and Crafts cottage which originally had 5 rooms, and we've been living in 3 of them for the last 4 years, with 3 dogs and 3 cats. Believe me, it's NOT as glamorous as it sounds  However, I try to maintain some semblance of order--laundry everynight, and I attempt to take on a "project" every weekend inside (closets are especially challenging when storage space is limited). I love to thrift shop, and I accumulate a great deal of clothing and dishes that way, so several posters are right about new coming in, old goes out. I'm very guilty of buying things and not wearing them, so those go, too. If I only spent $1.00 on it, it's not so difficult to let go. Also, I have a coat fetish, but that's another story for another day  As I get older, I'm simplifying--I don't buy anything unless I have a need for it, or can use it--we just don't have the luxury of space to have "stuff". The best thing I've done for myself is put everything in those pretty labelled baskets (our Homegoods store is a great source)--even down to the dog towels that reside in the laundry room. I find that this helps hubby, too. He's always asking where things are--if he can read, he can find it! Maybe someone can suggest a way to help with pantry closets. I just can't seem to figure out a way to "see" everything....I've bought 4 Febreeze's in the past couple of weeks because I couldn't see the one I have!!
Just think of all of the roads there are...all of the things I haven't seen....yet. |
| BarefootGoatGirl |
Posted - Oct 04 2006 : 1:49:57 PM
You may have trouble with girls clothes, but it's my boys I am about to skin! Last week I finished all the laundry and put it away. The very next morning, my almost 5 year old son was whinning that he couldn't find anything to wear. I went into their bedroom and found every piece of clothing they owned on the floor already! I just about had a fit! That afternoon, I gutted thier bedroon (they now only have their madeup beds and 1 very small tote apiece for their "treasures." I put all their clothing in a spare closet and now they have to ask to change clothing. Since I have compleat control it is very easy for them to keep thier room clean and I keep reminding them that "He who is faithful with little will be given much." Hopefuly, before they are teenagers.
Trina
'
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. Proverbs 27:23 |
| Kelly43 |
Posted - Oct 03 2006 : 5:06:29 PM
Jo, you're right on the money!!!! Send that one to MJ.
Kel |
| _Rebecca_ |
Posted - Oct 03 2006 : 1:00:51 PM
FARMGIRL stands for: Fantastic, Awesome, Remarkable, Magnificent, Gracious,Independent, Reliable, and Loving!
Jo
Way to go, Jo! 
.·:*¨¨* :·.Rebecca.·:*¨¨* :·.
Wife of Jonathan, Mother of Joel, Caitlyn, Elia, Nathanael |
| Hideaway Farmgirl |
Posted - Oct 03 2006 : 07:34:47 AM
Oh, there are some great tips here. I like the backwards hanger thing, too. I am switching between seasons (lucky to have a guest room closet to store off-season clothing) and it seems like there are a lot of things I never wore this past season...hmmm.
Should we skip over to the barter forum and start swapping clothes?
Example:
Hey everybody! I am a size 8, and need casual office for weekdays and FARMGIRL apparel for the weekends. What I can get rid of are dresses and some suits; office/summery vacation/fancy.
Of course, we won't be de-cluttering, just exchanging each other's clutter! But, if we can use another farmgirl's discards, great, or at least it might be easier throwing away someone else's clutter than our own!
Just me rambling....I'm a flylady convert for sure.
Did you know: FLY stands for: First Love Yourself
SHE stands for: Sidetracked Home Executive
... and I just made this one up ...
FARMGIRL stands for: Fantastic, Awesome, Remarkable, Magnificent, Gracious,Independent, Reliable, and Loving!
Jo |
| mommom |
Posted - Oct 02 2006 : 11:20:51 AM
When my three boys and twin daughters were young, they too went thru about 5 to 6 outfits a day. I finally had an idea. I told them I was going to teach them how to use the washer! And, since there was no dryer they had to hang everything outside, bring it in, and fold it themselves! All these clothes changes lasted about 2 days and then they decided that it was too much work. It's surprising how we can change bad habits when we have to pay the piper ourselves! Susan |
| Lizabeth |
Posted - Oct 02 2006 : 07:57:51 AM
Yes, That's my trouble too... putting off a card. I seem to remember in the book they said to pencil in a date at the bottom of the card if you are going to skip it, then allow yourself only three skips.
So today I am committing to the system. we will see if 30 days truly forms a habit! |
| brightmeadow |
Posted - Oct 02 2006 : 04:33:52 AM
Oh, I love the idea of backwards hangars! Great!
I did the S.H.E thing for awhile 10-12 years ago, and then again about 5 years ago. It really does work as long as you keep it up. I lasted about 3 weeks. The stuff I didn't want to do I kept putting off even though I had a card, LOL....after 3 weeks the undone cards were piling up and I knew I was just paying lip service to the method, so i stopped....
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
| Tina Michelle |
Posted - Oct 01 2006 : 10:18:05 PM
Aunt Jenny, can you get each child a basket .. labelled with a color coded tag for each child that will be their "shoe catchall" in your mudroom/entry way?Or even one of those stack a shelves that you can find at Kmart or Walmart and label each cubicle with a childs name? That is if you have the shoes left by the front door/back door all the time.That way each family member has a shoe cubby for one pair of galoshes/outdoor boots that they must keep in that area only.
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~ |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Oct 01 2006 : 10:01:52 PM
I never had the too many clothes problem until I had daughters! I guess girls just have more clothes..but wow..do we ever need to purge!!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| Tina Michelle |
Posted - Oct 01 2006 : 9:38:58 PM
I think your idea of limiting the clothes to one basketfull each member is a good idea. also remember the one in/one out rule. Anytime something new comes in..something old must go out...be it toys, clothing, etc.
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~ |
| katiedid |
Posted - Oct 01 2006 : 9:35:18 PM
I looked into the flylady.net and I think she has a great system..I am going to give it my best shot!
I just hate waking up to a mess, I feel like my day is shot right from the get go...
My greatauntie used to always say..."How are you ever going to catch up if you can't keep up?"
Good question...
Simple answer...I can't!
My biggest trouble is definately the clothes thing..we have sooo many clothes. My mom loves to shop for our daughters and all of our clothes are pretty expensive and nice, so it is hard to decide what to keep...I have decided to give every member of the house a laundry basket. We can fill it with all of our favorite clothes, whatever is left, we will give away to friends or donate. This way I will only have 6 loads of clothes a week, one for bath towels, one for kitchen towels, and one or two for bedding. Ten loads of laundry a week I can handle...twenty or more....well, FarmGirls, this would be why a small mountain is growing in my basement...as we speak!!
Thanks, everyone
Kate
my new blog http/www.theknifemakerswife.wordpress.com |
| Lizabeth |
Posted - Oct 01 2006 : 4:11:02 PM
A wonderful way to figure out which "everyday" clothes are actually being worn is to turn all of your hangers backwards (the hooks facing out). at the end of six weeks donate all clothes that are still hanging on backwards hangers.
I found a book called the sidetracked home executive. the authors have you make a 3X5 card for EVERY chore in your house, categorized by color for how often it needs done (daily, weekly...) and then the month and week is divided into what you do each day.
Now, I've made the cards, it just remains to implement the system. In theory it is incredible.
If I set the goal of one month to actually do the system, it would probably become habit. maybe that will be my goal for this new month! |
| Kelly43 |
Posted - Oct 01 2006 : 3:15:51 PM
Kate and all, I'm so glad I'm not the only clutterer around. I have the same problem as Kate, a small house and 2 teenage girls. I'm a packrat too so that makes it worse. Then add all the things I'm involved in and I have no time. I guess I'll have to try this flylady thing.
Kel |
| katie-ell |
Posted - Oct 01 2006 : 04:34:38 AM
Kate, Melanie, (Everybody) -- If you have trouble 'letting go' of your clutter, just think of it in Flylady's terms -- you are letting this stuff go to 'bless' someone else. Someone else will be able to use the clothes that don't fit you, the extra dishes you don't use, the garage sale stuff you purchased because it was a bargain but now is just clutter. Fall is the perfect time to un-stuff our houses. Winters are long and cold here, and I need room to move about and do my sewing and paper crafts -- so I'm organizing, purging, etc. this weekend. Just start somewhere -- 15 minutes a day if that's all you have (and you can do it in 5-minute intervals). It feels good! |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Sep 30 2006 : 9:54:04 PM
Boy, I need to do a real fly lady type purge here soon too. Both my bedroom and laundry/sewing room need real help!! I can usually keep up on the laundry...or close to it...but boy there is just too much stuff in THIS little house too.
I do keep a laundry basket for just mittens, gloves, winter hats and scarves and like that (for the kids) and that keeps them corralled. I still fight with all the shoes though..especially in winter!!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| _Rebecca_ |
Posted - Sep 30 2006 : 8:22:03 PM
I would assign a drawer of clothing per child and 2 children per closet. That way the number of clothes can't get out of control. This is what I did when my first two were younger. And we have kind of stuck to minimal amounts of clothes even though we are in a house with larger closets now.
Shoes and socks drive me crazy though! And I have no clue what to do with winter coats, mittens, scarves & hats.
.·:*¨¨* :·.Rebecca.·:*¨¨* :·.
Wife of Jonathan, Mother of Joel, Caitlyn, Elia, Nathanael |
| ~Tracey~ |
Posted - Sep 30 2006 : 8:20:14 PM
Kate,
I can relate most days to the clutter. I have done the flylady-type purge and found it to help a lot. In fact, we do a huge purge in the Fall and one in the Spring and little bits here and there.
For daily sanity, I tidy about twice a day, trying to have a path for dh when he comes home. The children help with this plus they have their chores to do.
That all said, I do have days that absolutely nothing gets done, the house and laundry take over and I feel helpless. When those days happen, I have learned to close my eyes and ignore. Dh is very understanding of those days and says nothing or helps if he has time.
One thing that really helped me was to set mini goals for each day. For example, if my mini goal on Monday is to get the kitchen tidied and floors cleaned and I accomplish only those tiny jobs that day then I feel like a superhero!!!
Best wishes for finding a system that works for you!!
Tracey,
mama to Callum 13, Katie 8, Wil 5.5, Benjamin 3 and Andrew 6 months!! |
| mellaisbella |
Posted - Sep 30 2006 : 7:51:30 PM
Hi girls
Well..... where do I start? I am a pack rat, a clothes hoarder, a paper lover, clutter bug and just plain unorganized. now don't get me wrong, I am not a complete slob, I do keep things tidy...but just because things are in a neat pile, doesn't mean it's not clutter. I have, over the past few months, really been working on getting my life/stuff in order....then I heard about the "flylady" so with my willpower and her help I have gotten rid of 17 big black garbage bags of stuff (I donated things that were useful to Salvation Army) It feels sooooo good to be clearing out my life. One thing that Flylady said that has really stuck with me...."if your house was on fire, what would you save?" A lot of my stuff is just that....stuff...so why do I need it cluttering up my life......Anyway...just thought I'd share...good luck Kate!!
mellaisbella "I wanna touch the earth, I want to break it in my hands, I want to grow something wild and unruly" |
| brightmeadow |
Posted - Sep 30 2006 : 6:56:48 PM
My husband is not a cluttery person, but I am. He is very simple. He has exactly the number of hangers he needs for all his work shirts and T-shirts in his side of the closet (and he doesn't have a lot) he keeps new shirts (that people give him) in a drawer until they make it into daily use. He doesn't retire anything until it is really worn out. I finally took away his one flannel shirt and bought him a new one. When his five work shirts are dirty he does laundry. Every single time. My side of the closet always has things falling off hangers on the floor. I have too many clothes. I have clothes that don't fit any more. I have clothes that I wear once a year. I have clothes that are out of style. I have wool jackets that need dry-cleaning, but I don't do dry-cleaning any more because of the chemicals. I have clothes that might be needed someday but there's something just a little bit wrong with them - the blouse sleeves are an inch too long and hang out of jacket sleeves, there is a mended spot that shows, etc. I think the secret to uncluttering is getting rid of stuff, and don't buy more than you need. Don't bring home stuff that people give you. But I am a pack rat, being raised by my grandma who lived through the depression. I have major trauma to throw things away.
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
| willowtreecreek |
Posted - Sep 30 2006 : 6:25:46 PM
i like flylady too but DONT sign up for the email thing. I was getting like 50 a day!
Jewelry, art, baskets, etc.
www.willowtreecreek.com |
| Hideaway Farmgirl |
Posted - Sep 30 2006 : 6:04:26 PM
Katie, Katie, Katie!
You must go (Go now!) to flylady.net. It has an awesome system for ridding yourself of Clutter and maintaining a clutter free house, body and spirit. Sounds like you have four little helpers, too, so you all might enjoy learning some of flylady's tricks and routines. I'm still learning to fly, but I find it really does work. Good luck!
Jo |
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