View Full Version : Purge February 2016----5 items a day.....
rodeosweetheart
2-1-16, 1:21pm
Hope it is alright to continue with a new February thread.
Last night I threw out approximately 20 pieces of Corelle wear. I had actually purchased them because of a thread on the Simple Living board-- someone was saying they were white and plain and went with everything, and very light so it did not aggravate her carpal tunnel.
All true. I threw mine out last night after one exploded.
So about 20 pieces gone, a good start to February.
Way to create a silver lining! :D I hate the idea of throwing mine out but I must admit I've been dwelling on it. I have broken a couple with spectacular results - those scimitar shapes all over the place - although I've never had one spontaneously explode. What are you buying instead?
My purge for the day was 4 magazines at least 4 months old. I'm also donating a basket and a "fruit saver" that actually tends to bruise the fruit rather than protecting it, identified as purge items in January.
rodeosweetheart
2-1-16, 1:36pm
Cool about the fruit saver. It's good to not fall victim to the sunk cost fallacy!
I actually have enough china--all vintage stuff, Dansk, some Jadeite, some fiesta, and all I really need to replace are the large bowls, but I was thinking of getting a vintage Dansk wooden salad bowl, and just using my Jadeite mixing bowls for serving.
It's just hard for me to use the "good stuff"--but I am inspired by my mom, who at 85 decided the time had come to start using her wedding china every day--you know, the stuff you save "for later"?
Thanks for keeping it going.
Tonight I'll add 2 house phones, a DSL modem, an answering machine. Yeah!! Less wires. I hate wires.
I'm in for this month. I've been doing the "busy" thing and my practice of parting with something every day has slowed to a trickle. I need this daily practice. It keeps me balanced.
I am in for the month, not sure if I am up to the 5 items a day until it gets warmer and I
can get into the garage but will keep trying to find more!
But, nothing today.
Parted with 600 things: two separate stacks of cards calling for volunteers for the homeless census. Nice cards. Sturdy. Like index cards. I use index cards. But I *HAVE* index cards. Pretty shades of blue and green. They'd work up nicely for homemade paper. Ha! I've never made homemade paper. I'm still knitting a friend's hat I promised two years ago. Do I need to keep at least one for next year? Hmm. Of course, I have it on my computer and in emails. Welp... can't justify keeping them can I?
*put in recycling bin*
Meezer Mom, 600 things! WOW!!
Today I'm getting rid of an old printer I've been saving "just in case". Just in case what, I need incentive to rip my hair out? Lol. Goodbye goodbye goodbye.
Also, 14 cassette tapes. >8)
I'm almost ready to donate another car full: lamps, bedding, household items, computer parts...And I've consigned a couple of broken items to the garbage. Progress is being made.
2 Christmas catalogs
1 Consumer Reports best buy book
1 expired jar of cocoa butter (and checked all expiration dates in medicine cabinet)
1 Personal Touch razor because, 12 years later, I'm finally convinced they will not come back and I refuse to pay $$$ for rare replacement blades on eBay
So there's my daily 5. Earlier I was looking for a post-it on my desk. I found it but became acutely aware that the drawer hasn't been done in a while. I still have checks from an old account. Oh. My. Off to shred. Add a couple hundred to my daily total. :)
rodeosweetheart
2-2-16, 6:44pm
4 dansk cereal bowls that are very nice but I have replaced them with fiesta ware
1 bag of miscellany to the Goodwill
I have more mechanical pencils than I thought. My sudoku book will be thrilled. Also have a LOT of colored page flags. Chose one type for me and passing on the rest to a non-profit. Same with a couple boxes of staples and minor collection of magnifiers.
Shredded the old checks and some other random notes. Am already to the bottom. Giving it a good wipe-out before putting things back.
3 "performance enhancing" samples from fitness expo. Expired.
1 bottle of raspberry keytone caps I was paid to review. Meant to freecycle it. Now expired. (Kept the bottle's cotton balls because, well, I use cotton balls daily. Saved 3 cents. :) )
1 pair of knee-high nylons that were at the botton of hamper for who knows how long
More to come. Or is that "go". I posted some remainder allergy tabs on freecycle and am at the laundry washing every last bit in that hamper, as well as the last set of old sheets I have to donate to animal rescue.
UPDATE:
Tossed a pair of socks that moths feasted on.
Decided one tank top was in good enough shape to donate to women's shelter. Could keep it but I've got several in colors I *really* like. Brown, not so much.
Chicken lady
2-4-16, 8:45am
February so far - Monday and Tuesday I didn't add anything. Yesterday I took a bunch of the ceramics molds into my classroom and replaced the leaky splash pan. I brought home the old pan because one of my wheels has a completely broken splash pan. I'm going to take it out later and see if I can switch them and throw away the broken one (it's a different model so maybe not)
So I'm not making much progress, but I'm not going backwards.
I had the day off yesterday and went through my closet and dresser one more time. Another 3 bags of things.
Got the car almost loaded up; looking around for more books and miscellany. I think I'll go to the thrift store tomorrow to unload. And do a little shopping.
rodeosweetheart
2-4-16, 4:12pm
One spice jar of alum (? why did I have this in first place--oh, pickling) dated use by 2011.
One really weird color face powder that made me look like I have jaundice.
Three lipsticks that are less than great colors.
2 boxes - I liked them, thought they may be useful to ship small things then admitted small things can go in a padded envie to save on postage
1 pair shoes - repaired once but the leather upper is scuffed and separating ever so slightly. It's not a good look.
To be continued...
Feb 04---so I thought I didn't have more but found some.....lol
--2 magazines to the seniors home
--1 book to charity
--2 pens to garbage
--1 pair of underwear to garbage
---when through all papers/manuals/instructions again and threw out 1 grocery bag
---1 large notebook to grandson to use for school work
Todate 8
Chicken lady
2-5-16, 8:06am
Didn't check the splash pan yet. Did have to return three of the four trash cans from work (bad communication between administrators.) also threw away a worn out pair of socks. Today I am taking more molds to the classroom.
rodeosweetheart
2-5-16, 9:46am
Didn't check the splash pan yet. Did have to return three of the four trash cans from work (bad communication between administrators.) also threw away a worn out pair of socks. Today I am taking more molds to the classroom.
Sounds like the trash can situation actually worked in your favor, as you got the one you really needed! I admire you for working through the molds and making hard decisions. I think I have a tendency to stuff things in boxes because I want to avoid those tough decisions. In January I worked through my fabric collection and it was hard, but now I am finding I am definitely taking in less, since I want to use everything I have, which means I can't pick up new things at thrift shop for indefinite future projects, at least not until I have used what I have, if that makes sense.
I put things in paper totes then get another paper tote, emptying the totes when I need something small - like to gather the current cache of office supplies I'm toting over to a non-profit. It's not so much that I don't want to make decisions inasmuch as I have a dump-and-run habit. I never really learned bring-it-in-and-put-it-away. Both parents were dump-and-run too. Hmm. Think this is something I can modify with awareness and make it a mini-habit. Stay tuned.
Chicken lady
2-5-16, 6:03pm
Yeah, but I got positive reinforcement for not immediately getting rid of my old broken trash cans (where would my trash have gone after I took the three new ones back?) which is not so good for me. I am going to have to start being pickier about which molds go to s hook, because I am running out of space. I thought I could just toss the bad ones, skim off some I liked, and take everything else that was good, but that isn't going to work.
i'm a random boxer (clear off a surface into a box to be able to use the surface), but I'm trying really hard to quit.
I've done random toting to clear a surface. The mini-habit is based on the theory of doing one small thing your goal. A single push up. Writing merely 50 words. And so on. Rather like purging 5 things a day, it all adds up and sometimes you can do more. I've recommended the book before: MINI HABITS by Stephen Guise.
Need to put things away when I come in and fold whatever paper bag they came in. THEN run.
New habits. Need new habits.
pair of pants that looks horrid on me.
Feb 05
--missed counting 1 bag of charms ( about 10) I have been given at weight loss club (I don't really get the need for that
kind of reinforcement but some people love it)...at least this way they can give then to others and don't have to buy them.
--12 pencils to charity--how many can one person use...beside I like the mechanical ones.
Total to date 21
2/6 - bag of candy. I think it's been sitting in the snack basket since Halloween.
2/7 - 10 hangers, 3 gloves, 1 scarf
2/8 - 2 blouses, 1 book
Started cleaning the drawers in my roller cart. First up, my miscellaneous power cords drawer.
1-old pair of earbuds. Still work great. Cleaned-up and posted on freecycle
1-new pair of earbud foam covers - part of clean-up process above
1 binder clip and 1 drawstring bag, wrapped up earbuds and placed in bag pending pick-up
1 - smallish box. I am noticing a trend of saving boxes. Empty, but saved anticipating shipping something. I ship about 5 things a year. I need to get it into my head that the post office provides free boxes if I really need one.
To be continued. ..
Chicken lady
2-6-16, 10:45pm
Today was a neutral day.
tomorrow I plan to buy new seed starter trays because I threw away all the old ones last year after 4-5 years of use. They were cracking too much. I may also buy one or two buckets with secure lids for casting slip in my classroom and one for me. I'll be driving past the store with my heart grandson and he's going to help me start some seeds.
mschrisgo2
2-7-16, 12:35am
Must have been a plant kind of day... I have several houseplants that need potting up, I dug out pots... then realized I literally have NO place to put 8 larger pots. So I promptly listed those plants for free on NextDoor and someone responded who could come and get them immediately! Wonderful! Also gave her 6 empty pots.
Found a pair of puppy-chewed-up sandals that I thought I had thrown away -> Trash.
Put together a small box of dishes, kitchen stuff, etc. for a friend of my daughter- her house burned down last night. I essentially gave her the box we used for camping, but it's all good stuff. I have enough that if I ever want to really camp again, I can raid my kitchen.
February subtotal: 47. (guess I'm back in for 100/month. Hard to believe I still have stuff)
Sloeginfizz
2-7-16, 3:51am
I recently had one friend call my house 'spartan' and another person call me a minimalist. I just don't get it. Have they actually looked at my place? I have two living rooms. Six spatulas. A whole bookcase that's just for decorative stuff. Maybe people are just so used to living with excess that someone with just a reasonable amount of stuff seems like a minimalist to them. Meanwhile, I'm looking around wondering how I ended up with six spatulas.
Stuff gotten rid of lately, not necessarily today: I finished knitting a scarf and right away gave it to a friend. Slowly the yarn stash diminishes. We had a couple of boxes floating around. We don't save boxes normally, but Mr. GinFizz likes to keep them for a little while after we've bought something in case we need to return it. But then the box gets forgotten. I combined three partial bottles of mouthwash into one and recycled the empty bottles. I put a partial bottle of perfume that I'm no longer liking onto the giveaway table we have at this apartment building.
Actually, a lot of the things I get rid of get put onto that giveaway table. It's in the trash room and you can leave almost anything but clothes and shoes. I know there's no tax break or charitable aspect, but its so much more convenient than getting to the thrift store. Things tend to go pretty quickly too, usually in a couple of hours.
Hey, does anyone know, what can you do with a cookie sheet that has teflon coating that is flaking off? Obviously, no one should be using it any more. Can it be recycled? Or does the teflon make it so it can only be thrown away? In my defense, I didn't buy the teflon pan. It was here when we moved in, left in the drawer under my oven with the broiler pan.
Williamsmith
2-7-16, 3:59am
Mail it. No return address.
Sloeginfizz, quick search says teflon can be recycled but only if your city says OK. http://www.earth911.com/food/recycling-mystery-nonstick-pots-pans/
Not really a "purge" - more like "getting it done" - but have framed 10 of the 12 "thank you" sheets to the community donors signed by homeless census volunteers. Two frames have broken glass. Returning momentarily. And continuing the deliveries. Can do 8 of 12 tonite before heading out to the gym.
Chicken lady
2-8-16, 10:04pm
Continuing to wash molds.
Decided to buy two buckets for class and none for me. Also only bought one seed starter tray. My sidekick decided we should jump in puddles instead of plant seeds, and I found a possible tray I like better, so the unused tray is riding around in the car for a potential return.
today was neutral. Except I added three goats (well, their mamas added them) last night. I am now one goat over maximum, but that is only relevant if the goats are full grown, so I have to sell at least one this spring/ summer. Two are already slated for sale. One is a maybe (waiting to see if he gets any half brothers out of better does)
Feb 08...to date
--1 more pair of worn out underwear
--3 pair of holey socks
--2 outdated seed catalogs
--1 hanger
--1 kitchen floor mat that was very worn that had made its way to the garage and has now
made it way into the garbage.
---5 cardboard boxes that I have no idea why I was keeping I will never put whatever came in them back in them...will I? NO. Recycled
--1 book damaged put to recycling.
Total 35
Boxes really are an issue for me, too, danna. I hate waste so I'm hesitant to part with a good box. But I realistically only need a few a year. I'm working hard to process the fact that I can let them go.
That's funny about boxes...my dad was a box hoarder and our basement was full of them when I was growing up. Guess what is in my basement? Yup, I have a collection too, but most of it is legitimate. I save small boxes that I can use for jewelry shipping. But for some reason I too hang onto boxes for small appliances that are years old and full of dust and cat hair.
I have today off, and I have an appointment to take stuff to my consignment store (last week I got a check for $292 for a bunch of family jewelry and odd stuff me and my mom sold). This morning I will be scanning the house one more time for stuff to take and I am being pretty brutal in my assessments. I have finally decided to sell the 1920's huge lace piece my grandmother wore as a veil on her wedding day. It's been packed carefully and is in good condition but hidden away in a box in the basement. I honestly have no idea what to do with it and will never display it as lace is not exactly my style. I do have a lovely wedding portrait of her wearing it, so I think that is enough for me. I am going to release it back into the world for someone else to enjoy!
I am also going to sell some of my found art collages that have been on my living room wall for years. I feel like I can let them go and am excited to create more mental and physical space for new creations. The clutter of being an artist can get hard sometimes when you live in a small space; I find I NEED to let stuff go after a while so I can move on to new ideas. If I can get a couple of bucks for things I created out found objects and paint, I am happy! Once in a while I'll sell pieces for more than a couple of bucks too - last month I sold one of my art guitars for $175! I then turn around and use that money for art supplies, travel, etc. In fact, as soon as I get get my tax refund I am finally purchasing a soldering torch for my jewelry studio. I am de-cluttering other areas in my life but the studio keeps expanding...
Chicken lady
2-9-16, 10:08am
SiouzQ, I have the same issues with the studio. Partly I think it's because now that the kids are all out of the house i have more time for art and keep broadening what I want to do. When they were little I used to just long for an hour to throw on the wheel....
Feb 09
---1 more box found under the stairs (it is from an old print I don't even have anymore) Recycled
---2 cheque book from account I no longer have
Total to date 38
3 pairs of my daughter's shoes and 2 books to a family open to receiving them, 1 pair of shoes that got damaged to the trash. Total for month: 6.
Feb 20
--yet 2 more old cheque books to shredding
---3 books donated
---5 more magazines to recycling
--1 old hair dying shirt to garbage
--3 old/holey/stained tea towels to the rag bag
--1 knife sharpener to charity
---1 craft to charity shop to sell
--1 Old and too dirty area rug to garbage
55 total to date
Not too bad considering I thought I had nothing left to get rid of...lol
Attempting to clear out the garage. Selling four chairs, 2 whiteboards and two wooden trellises on Craigslist. That being just the tip of the iceberg. Im praying for patince to carry this out the reposting, photographing meet with people. I will need it since I need to get out of debt.I donated bags of clothes and going through old books to donate.Sometimes it feels like it will never end and I have stopped buying except groceries.
Chicken lady
2-23-16, 8:17pm
Yesterday I talked to my mom on FaceTime and found a few things from my linen closet I can get rid of.
today I talked to her again. I had two large storage bins of Christmas tins. I put the ones I really like in one bin then held all the rest up for my mom to claim (some of them were actually hers and go back and forth) or pass. When we were done, I put a couple I still liked in the tin bin (which is no longer full even though the tins are less nested) and set the rest aside for goodwill. I am returning my mom's tins (with interest) next weekend, and dd gets the empty bin.
unfortunately we don't have a project for tomorrow. Tomorrow I teach and restock the pencil holder on my shelf (I'm slowly getting rid of hundreds of pencils that have accumulated in this house by letting my students steal them.)
mschrisgo2
2-24-16, 4:25am
Daughter asked if I still had any sheets for twin beds (used to have beds for the grands at my house). I found 3! Put those in the reusable grocery bag of hers that came home with me after Christmas. Added four 4x6 picture frames, and two 8x10s. She has a project in mind, they are just taking up room here. (now all of my picture frames fit into one large bin) subtotal:10
New subtotal for the month: 57
Chicken lady
2-25-16, 1:00pm
That's great!
i've been doing laundry this morning and working on my linens.
i have two twin beds, two queen sized beds,and a full sized mattress for use in the "guest loft"
i'm keeping:
5 sets cotton twin sheets (two sets are going to wear out soon, but I'd rather let dd wear them out than donate them at this point)
5 sets percale queen sheets (again two are on their last legs) plus an extra white flat sheet and two pillowcases
2 sets of queen flannel sheets plus an extra matching fitted sheet
2 queen duvet covers (one is on the duvet on my bed)
7 extra pillow cases that didn't go with any sets (if the set of sheets left, the pillow cas(es) went with) - we always have extra pillows on the bed for reading and we take our own pillows when we travel, so they get used.
2 sets of flannel sheets for the full sized mattress - my mom wants the percale sheet sets in that size, so I'm taking them to her.
9 flat sheets that didn't match anything - because people around here tend to ask me for "an old sheet" a lot. - drop cloths, craft friendly table clothes, dust covers in the shop....
I'm donating a laundry basket full of discards. (Well, not the basket, just that much.)
i also found a pair pair of jeans and a blazer I can part with.
Chicken lady
2-27-16, 12:11pm
Dd and her fiancé came by this morning. She took her bin. She also helped me sort through three bins of t-shirts (I have promised my kids to make each of them a t-shirt quilt with "memory" shirts from their growing up and college years.). I now have one bin ready to go for her quilt, plus 15 shirts that were definitely hers but are duplicates or from things that she doesn't want in the quilt that I can donate.
(each of the other two kids still needs to sort through their t-shirt bin plus the two unknown bins that are now less full.)
there was one shirt she didn't want, but I was glad I saved. She said "oh. This is from that trip where I was miserable and whined and threw up in the restaurant and ruined everyone's vacation." I said "you had strep." She said "i did?" I said "yes. I felt horrible for you." And she said "oh. I didn't know that. I feel better now." Mental purging!
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