View Full Version : Are we up for a April Purge?
April 2 a couple of months back I said I had nothing left to purge, but I do.
It is getting warm enough to get into the garage and I need to pass on some of the clothes I won't ever wear again!
--2 pieces of quilt fabric made in to cushion covers and 2 cushions to put them on gifted to Dd.
Hopefully I will have more by the end of the day.
I have another donation pile started. So far, a leaf bag full of clothes, a bag of books, and a box of miscellany.
freshstart
4-2-16, 12:54pm
I have to finish the linen closets, make them more organized. Then it's time for either something besides purging and organizing or time to face the basement. I'm going to set a very low goal of going through a box a week for the month of April. Partly because those stairs have been dangerous for me in the past but mostly because I know I am going to look at all of my mother's crap and want to turn right around and walk away. It's totally overwhelming so 4 boxes is it.
I think I'd try one box a month fresh start. Of course, I have not done anything...
that sounds infinitely better, lol
Chicken lady
4-2-16, 1:43pm
I'm going to try to do something three days a week. Today my son is home and he spent a little time with me after lunch going through three bins of his childhood toys. I now have half a bin to give away. That doesn't empty a bin, but it does make room to put the baby quilt I made for him into the partly empty bin. Progress since I still have linens piled on the guest bed after taking everything out of the freestanding "linen closet"
Took eleven items belonging to my five-year-old to a friend with a two-year-old (with my five-year-old's permission!).
I have an appointment coming up at my local consignment shop a little later this month so I need to look around (again!) to see what I am willing to give up. This time, I think I am ready to resell an amber-colored glass Art Deco vase I received as a wedding present way back in 1988. I've displayed it ever since, because it is very pretty but I really don't need it. I took it away from its usual spot on the top of the bookcase and replaced it with a different vase my brother gave me and decided right then and there I really could live without it! The money I make from it will enable me to purchase studio tools, or use as traveling funds. A year ago I don't think I'd be able to give it up!
But I still need to come up with a bunch more stuff to take on this drop-off trip to the consignment store to make my year's membership more worthwhile. I think I will raid my bead boxes - there are quite a few strands of stone beads I've purchased in the past few years that I will never get around to using as I evolve as an jewelry artist. And I recently acquired for free a "cheap" 12 string guitar (not really playable, I hear) but someone else may want.
I like seeing how my thinking changes as I peel back the layers and layers of possessions!
10 magazines read and put in recycle
Total 14
Our neighborhood's annual garage sale is coming up and I am gathering more things to sell. Currently, I have stuff lined up on one whole wall of a room. DH is even joining in the purge. I have to pinch myself when I see him going through his stuff and actually tossing things. Not like his usual self at all. Also, we have been showing our house pre-sale to interested buyers so all the usual clutter gets tucked away when they come. Can't tell you what a peaceful feeling it brings when all the horizontal surfaces are clear.
Our neighborhood's annual garage sale is coming up and I am gathering more things to sell.
:+1:
iris lilies
4-4-16, 1:12pm
I just purged about 20 little thngs. Small indvidually wrapped pieces of high quality chocolate, but they were oddly flavored. 6 little giftee baggy thingies with little vials of sanitizer, all thanksgivng related. I wont gve these away, who am I foolin? I got them as gifts, they hung around my kitchen for 5 months, now they are gone.
Sometimes the little giftee things drive me batty.
i did keep one bar of fancy soap in a little bag, in case i need to regift it. But i likely will not, really hate regifting.
Teacher Terry
4-4-16, 2:35pm
REcently I purged my linen closet and realized I only needed 2 sets of sheets per bed and not a million comforters. Now when I open it up there is extra space and it feels good instead of everything falling out.
iris lilies
4-4-16, 3:06pm
REcently I purged my linen closet and realized I only needed 2 sets of sheets per bed and not a million comforters. Now when I open it up there is extra space and it feels good instead of everything falling out.
Unfortunately, we need a zillion comforters because our bulldog has decided to mark his territory fairly often now on the furniture. So, we keep comforters on them.
I bought new upholstered chairs recently. They were expensive. I hate them! Maybe I wont have to live with them as long as I thought I would.
I have enough bedding to be the princess of pea fame. I have managed to give some of it to friends, and donate other items. I think I'm set for life.
April 04
I had a great day of decluttering and organizing two closet in my bedroom.
---gave Dd 2 more pillows
---put 1 large rug in the Charity box. (It is dusty pink/blue/biege and has not gone with anything in my house for 15 years)
And, it is too big to just use as a throw rug because it is the type that would need washed and my washing machine would not take it.
It is in great condition so someone will enjoy it.
--1 small bag of bits and pieces of ribbon and lace that I am not sure why I was saving.
--8 small items of crafts stuff to the charity box
---1 scarf holder to charity box
---1 lovely painter picture on wood that I really liked at one time of day (again dusty rose) to the charity box.
Total to date 26 items
Teacher Terry
4-5-16, 3:48pm
IL: we have had dogs that marked and it was a pain. I used to use comforters to cover the couch because our big guy sheds so much but I bought a couch cover from Kohl's when they go on sale for half price and they look better and feel better to sit on. However, I use a thick comforter to put on the big guy's bed. I actually kept 6 comforters ( 2 for each bed ) and 2 for the dogs but we had about double that. WE do have a ton of doggie blankets to cover them and the doggie beds.
Chicken lady
4-6-16, 9:07pm
Well, today I got rid of the plastic birthday princess tiara (topped a cake with it and delivered it as a birthday gift)
but i bought some cookie cutters on clearance at the grocery store and two cookie molds, a hanger I've been wanting for the beautiful glass ornament Ds got me for Christmas, and a sheet at the thrift store. So I'm backsliding.
As of April 06
---1 very old couch cushion that quishy every time someone lends against it...garbage
---1 hanger for scarfs...charity box
--24 Weight loss magazines donated to weight loss club
Total to date 52 items....I am on a roll...love it
Also, covered to cushions I had with new fabric I had they look nice and fresh and match decor
and, made 8 small napkins from a old tablecloth that belonged to my Dsis. They make me smile and think if her in a happy way.
Hi All,
I check in occasionally, but now I've been reading the book by Marie Kondo and am committed to completing everything! So, I thought I'd post as I see the Kondo method has been discussed on this site. I've just finished clothes, the first part of the process. I really like her method. When I first read it, I had some misconceptions, but studied it carefully as I prepared to go through all my belongings, and it clicked. I am still learning.
One thing to know is that in Japan the Shinto religion sees everything as animate, i.e., nothing is dead. So the thing about talking to your clothes is not far out at all if you are a member of that culture and that religion. (She writes in the book that she tended a Shinto shrine for a few years as a Shinto Maiden).
I've just gotten rid of hundreds of items of clothes, large and small. Our local charity shop even takes clothes that are rags and shoes that have the soles coming off. I found out when I took some things there. They sell it to recyclers. Nice to have nothing go into the landfill. Plus they do good works with the money.
So here's one thing about talking to your socks as you either keep them or let them go: It gives you a lesson on what you liked or didn't like about them. In my case it makes me less likely to buy inappropriate things I see in the thrift shop, especially when I have a 50% off coupon. Now it has to spark joy and I have a better idea of what that means to me.
It also seems to filter into other areas, like buying food and eating. Asking myself does this "spark joy" seems to work for me. And I'm finding that desserts rarely spark joy even though I've always craved sweets. Also, "sparking joy" can be how well something works in the kitchen, like a slotted spoon. Not how it looks. I haven't gotten to the cooking stuff yet, but I'm seeing beyond a surface meaning for this. My kitchen cabinets spark joy because they are familiar, like seeing an old friend sparks joy. Many people would think the cabinets are outdated, probably 30 years old, but shiny new cabinets would not spark joy if I had to spend a lot of money for them and they'd be more waste. Though the book seems superficial at first with the idea of sparking joy, it's really not.
The other thing is that I am not focused on getting rid of things. For me, focusing on getting rid of things is kind of abstract. Also, feelings like guilt and worry goes with getting rid of things. Worry that I'll need it, guilt that I rarely wore it, etc. It doesn't tell me what I do want, only what I don't want. I'm keeping clothes in two sizes, but only ones I like/want to keep. It would not spark joy to have to go and buy a whole new set of clothes when I lose weight (I'm trying to go down a size). I'm also keeping clothes appropriate for work, although these don't spark joy in the way some other clothes might. They are utilitarian clothes in that they fit me and they fit my work environment. That's good enough for a kind of joy. Fashionable clothes or cute clothes have never sparked joy in me. But certain colors, fabrics, textures, etc. do. Figuring out that I didn't like clothes in certain fabrics, textures has been part of the process.
I'll update when I do the other categories. So glad that these threads keep going.
Just spent the last hour and 1/2 going through a drawer of papers then an old file cabinet. Have a large bag of papers to be shredded at a shred event tomorrow. Found stuff from 2002 I don't need. Also found some stuff I thought I had lost! Also have lots of paper and envelopes for recycling. This junk has been cluttering the back of my mind too. Feels good to have tackled it.
Chicken lady
4-9-16, 9:05am
I did very badly last week since I only got rid of things on two days and I brought a lot in. (Doll for my collection; sheet; ornament hanger; and two cookie molds, 5 cookie cutters, a rolling pin, and 4 plastic dishes for use in the pottery studio.)
i think I will try to organize/purge in the studio today.
mschrisgo2
4-9-16, 10:14am
Hmm...I think of decluttering as making room to bring in things I currently want to use in my life...
Chicken lady
4-9-16, 11:05am
Which is a great approach, it's just that I gave yet to declutter to the point where there is actually enough space for the things I already have, so adding even as much as I subtract is still a bad idea.
having my books on bookshelves instead of on shelves and also piled on chairs and tables and in the corners of rooms is a new thing for me. So far, the books are really the only thing completely under control.
Teacher Terry
4-9-16, 7:19pm
I decided to tackle one of the bathrooms today and my office and ended up with lots of garbage. I then felt inspired so washed curtains, windows, etc and worked all day then walked the big dog. I still have to wash the stuff that sits decoratively above my kitchen cabinets but will save that for tomorrow. I used to have hundreds of books but now only have about 30. It was hard at first but not anymore. The leaner my house gets the faster I can clean which is nice. I used to like having a lot more decorations then I do now but I still like to have some. I still have some rooms to do windows and curtains but felt I made a good start. Next week I will have lots of grading to do so have to make the most of tomorrow. I have read the Kon Mari book 3x's/ and that has really helped me too although I had done a ton before reading it. She writes that when others see you tidying they will be inspired and do their stuff too-a no that has not happened with DH so he is still contained to certain areas like his office, etc.
April 9
Sagewomen I have read her book and really like the concept, especially once I got the idea that it all needs done but,
not necessarily at one time. I am just doing one thing at a time. I have done towels, sheets, socks, underwear, purses, books
so it is a work in process for me.
--1 winter scarf I don't remember ever wearing to charity
--4 candles that have scent and I won't use to charity
--1 drawer of mismatched cutlery but, I did buy myself a nice new complete set.
--2 pair of Pajama bottoms that I would be totally embarrassed to be taken to the hospital in. (I seem to have this on my mind since my
neighbour has been taken into the hospital by ambulance 3 times in the last month,)
---2 Pens that just weren't writing well (I use to try and make them last....why?)
Total to date....36
I tossed my 1977 sophmore year high school year book last night (double-wrapped in two old grocery sacks) with nary a regret. Probably the worse school photo in the history of bad school photos, and I couldn't bear to read the inscriptions on the inside. It felt great! I feel like I am on a roll, in anticipation of my house mate moving out next week. Then I can really CLEAN and have my space back :)
Ultralight
4-13-16, 3:02pm
I tossed my 1977 sophmore year high school year book last night (double-wrapped in two old grocery sacks) with nary a regret. Probably the worse school photo in the history of bad school photos, and I couldn't bear to read the inscriptions on the inside. It felt great! I feel like I am on a roll, in anticipation of my house mate moving out next week. Then I can really CLEAN and have my space back :)
Sweeeeeet! :)
to date April 17th
--1 pair of socks to garbage
--10 items of clothing to charity box
--5 books to charity box
--1 pair of curtains to charity box
--3 plastic hanger to Dd
--2 more pillows and 1 large pc of fabric to cover them to Dd
Total to date 58....
I've been on a de-cluttering and cleaning tear for the last week or so; it was spurred on by the fact my house mate moved out last week and the house, especially the kitchen, was pretty grungy. I had an appointment to drop off things to my account at the consignment shop I'm a member of as well. I am amazed at what things I can let go of, year after year as I peel the layers back. I basically don't want to be a steward of random things in my life, such as:
a beautiful 1920's amber glass Art Deco vase (a long ago wedding present), an Italian "Bubble glass" tzhotke (sp?) I had dragged out of my parent's house 35 years ago when they were getting divorced), an handful of books I hadn't looked at in years, an old 12-string guitar I recently acquired for possible use in one of my art guitar sculptures, old salmon colored pyrex casserole dishes I haven't use in years (but kept them 'cause they are cool, retro things, yet kept stuffed in the dark corner of a cupboard), etc, etc).
I've realized that just because I've kept things for a long time doesn't mean they still have emotional value to me; sure, they can be pretty or interesting and make my house look good, but in the end, it's just physical stuff that collects dust and makes it harder to clean. I want to clear out "old baggage" (the literal kind) to make room for the future, whatever it may hold. It's rather exciting, really! I should be receiving a check for over $200 in May from the last batch of goods I took to the shop three months ago. That money will be my mad money to be used for buying cabachon stones and sterling silver while I am out west on my road trip in June.
I also took a pair of electric guitar amplifier headphones I received as a gift from my last boyfriend five years back to the music equipment consignment store and got $35 for those. And I still have a bunch of stuff to go through and donate to the thrift stores. I've been tackling all this a bit at a time, and cleaning as I go. The kitchen is finally pretty clean, the old grease gone (the housemate was a bit of a slob when he cooked!). I've vacuumed and dusted almost all areas, and just need to wash the kitchen floor. Man, this feels good!
freshstart
4-25-16, 10:02am
you've done great and you made it to the finish line with that roommate, I know you said that wasn't easy. Well done!
I covet your salmon dishes, lol
April 29th almost the end of the month lately I have done
--15 pieces of clothing to a charity sale
--1 jar of cranberry butter cream...never used and that was for the body....lol...can't remember how old
--1 stepper thingie to the charity box...haven't been using it
--7 plates that I don't use to the charity box
--5 small baggie so things from my jewellery box
--2 t-shirts to the rag bag
That is all I remember not the 5 a day as promised but still a great amount...total to date 89
Woot! I just received a check from my consignment shop for $311 ! All but two of the items from my original batch I took there a few months ago have sold, and the old 12 string guitar someone gave me for an art project a couple of months ago that I decided not to butcher it up for a sculpture because it didn't have any character) sold for $55! The luthier who gave it to me had it in his burn pile - do you think it was ethical for me to end up deciding to sell it? I've been wondering about that - he DID give it to me outright to use for an art project; I only decided much later that I didn't want to use it for that.
Anyway, aside from that, the stuff I sold I WILL NEVER MISS! And now I have play money to shop for art supplies while I am traveling. I plan to search for beautiful cabachon stones to set, now that I am working in sterling silver again :) The best part of my artist adventure is I have to earn the money to pay for tools and supplies by being creative, by selling my pieces, of course, by taking odd jobs, by having a house mate from time to time, by selling my plasma, by doing the re-sale consignment (which de-clutters my space to make room for new things in my life). None of that comes out of my Wholefoods paycheck!
Chicken lady
5-3-16, 10:03am
Well, since you are using the money for art supplies, you are using it for an art project, just as financing instead of raw material. And the person who bought it clearly intends to use it for something. So I'd say no worries.
Teacher Terry
5-3-16, 1:36pm
CL: when I got serious about de-cluttering I got rid of all of my collections. I just kept 1 or 2 items from each collection. I also told everyone so no one would buy anything to add to it. Our local HS is having a garage sale and I went through things and managed to find 3 bags full to donate.
Chicken lady
5-3-16, 1:54pm
Yes, you've mentioned that before. I think I have different goals though - I would assume you found empty space brought you more pleasure than the collections. I enjoy the collections. I'm still working on paring down things l know I have far too many of - like cookbooks and ring binders, and learning to throw out trash. It's coming. It's slow, but it's coming.
every item that goes into the new space will be very deliberate, so that will help. I figure we use the new kitchen for a year and then get rid of everything that is still left behind in the old kitchen - other than a few bowls (my daughter made) and pans (the cradles of pie and cornbread from my grandmother's kitchen) which I do use all the time, I'm not attached to kitchen stuff. It's just around because we think we use it.
has anybody else noticed that it's may?
ApatheticNoMore
5-3-16, 2:35pm
Yes, you've mentioned that before. I think I have different goals though - I would assume you found empty space brought you more pleasure than the collections. I enjoy the collections.
I realized I'm still to some degree under the spell of a woman I helped pack to move a few years ago. She had such nice things, omg such nice things, a would be curator for sure. Nice isn't code for expensive, it just means pretty, sometimes I suppose it's expensive, other times not, and most of it probably wasn't. More things than I had then, more than I have now. But I still have some urge toward nice things, not lots and lots of things, I don't want lots of things, but nice things have a pull even though (and maybe because) I've lived many years pretty ascetic and believe that ascetic is more socially responsible.
I can do without the salmon colored Pyrex, but I did acquire an avocado green Corningware dish recently I really don't need. But I actually find avocado green very attractive, it's an acquired taste :).
Teacher Terry
5-3-16, 4:04pm
What I have found is that when you have many nice things nothing stands out. For instance if you have 2 dolls instead of 20 it looks better and others can appreciate how things look. With too many things your eye doesn't know what to rest on from all the visual clutter. I don't like a bare look at all. It feels sterile to me. Not only does my home look better but it is much faster to clean. I will have people comment on a doll, etc and think it was new. That was because with all the clutter they never noticed it before. If I suggest something again it's because I am old and can't remember:~)
Chicken lady
5-3-16, 5:47pm
I didn't think you were nagging, I don't think I responded to that point before, but I'm getting old too. My sentence probably has a tone problem. I'm very bad at that.
I don't collect anything to have it "stand out" or really to share it,although if someone is interested, I love to share. Most of my stuff is tucked away until I get it out, or on display in limited spaces because dh likes everything simple and open. I will rotate things, so they feel "new" to me. But I love being in a room lined with books, or having a "crowd" of dolls on a bench. - different aesthetic.
Teacher Terry
5-3-16, 6:12pm
I didn't think you were upset with me. I don't like to rotate-it is an all or nothing thing for me. Plus I have gotten sick of storing things so it is either out or gone. I usually live with stuff until I hate them and then replace it with something different:D.
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