November Purge

[rosarugosa]

When we bought our night table, I selected it because it had good storage capacity, which we all know can be a double-edged sword. Anyway, I hadn't gone through it for a long time, so I cleaned it out yesterday and got rid of a lot of obsolete items. It is much neater and less stuffed with crap now!

[mschrisgo2]

I use a console table that has two shallow drawers for a desk. I decided I want to be able to put my laptop computer in one of the drawers when not in use, so I had to clean them out. Three fourths of the stuff in there went into the trash!

Also completely cleared off my desk, one bag of trash, one of shredding!

[happystuff]

I use a console table that has two shallow drawers for a desk. I decided I want to be able to put my laptop computer in one of the drawers when not in use, so I had to clean them out. Three fourths of the stuff in there went into the trash!

Also completely cleared off my desk, one bag of trash, one of shredding!

UGH! Cleaning my desk is always on my to-do list and usually the first thing I skip over. LOL. Need to do it soon. Thanks for the reminder.

[rosarugosa]

Good work on the desk cleanup! My new-to-me desk is actually still mostly empty, although I've had it for a few months and use it daily. I've lived without a desk for so long and I want to be extremely judicious in using this valuable real estate!

[Lainey]

rosarugosa,
I remember that concept of some space being designated as "high value real estate." I think it's helpful and I try to monitor my high-use spaces using that idea. My kitchen countertop, dining table, nightstand and office desk top are all high value to me and those are the ones I focus on keeping clear.

[nswef]

I am dreadful at keeping flat surfaces clear. I did clear the computer desk-well, neatened it up! If I have clear spaces showing and tidier stacks I feel better....but I am better at the writing table now...using book case space to keep the table clearer. thanks for the inspiration and Congratulations to those who are maintaining a clear surface!

[rosarugosa]

During our recent closet purge, DH decided to let go of a pair of Brooks Brothers wool trousers that he has had for at least 8 years that still had the tags on. I just sold them on eBay for $49! :cool:

[iris lilies]

Well this is embarrassing. DH brought down three large bags of clothes belonging to me. They were up in our third story big walk-in closet. I had completely forgotten about them and they are three sizes too small. I picked out a few of the collectible pieces and I’m taking them to the vintage clothing store, the rest I am jettisoning.

[Teacher Terry]

Good plan to get rid os stuff before you eventually move. That's what happens when you have a big house. You forget about stuff.

[Tybee]

Got rid of lots of china and old clothes yesterday. Going through boxes in basement and shed with goal of getting rid of half of what I have.
If it is a category of things I like and collect, then trying to pick a number and have no more than x. So have to get rid of plus x, and select best and most-meaningful of x.

I may get rid of more china today. Took five boxes of stuff to a resale shop that funds the domestic violence shelter, to it's wonderful to feel this frozen energy being released into the world to be converted into doing good for people.
One great side effect is that my husband starting doing the same and he picked out the five best sprinklers from his sprinkler collection and took rest to the Goodwill.

We have a long way to go, however. It seems to be like peelings layers. . .

[catherine]

I may get rid of more china today. Took five boxes of stuff to a resale shop that funds the domestic violence shelter, to it's wonderful to feel this frozen energy being released into the world to be converted into doing good for people.


I love that thought.. "frozen energy"--I'm going to use that as a visual this winter as my own downsizing begins in earnest.

[Selah]

I donated some clothes, some shoes, a few kitchen utensils, and an entire garbage bag full of scarves! I kept a very small number for sentimental reasons or for the very occasional use with outfits, but really, I had FAR too many.

I'd been considering donating them for over a year, but kept dragging my heels. Finally, I took a deep breath, chucked the bag in the back seat of the car, and off I went. I felt an enormous sense of relief and happiness once they were gone, and I'm still happy I chose to do it.

[rosarugosa]

We brought a trunk full of stuff to the town hazardous waste disposal event. There were a lot of cars there; it is scary to think how much toxic stuff we have in our homes collectively! These are also the people who took the trouble to pre-register and dispose of stuff responsibly. I'm guessing that might be the minority.

[Teacher Terry]

I just sold my set of good dishes on a site called OfferUp. After 22 years I was sick of them. I have been wanting a set of polish pottery dishes but they are very expensive. So I am in Tuesday Morning and they are clearancing plates and bowls very reasonably and it’s polish pottery. I just bought the plates and bowls because I never use the rest of the stuff that comes with s set.

[iris lilies]

I just sold my set of good dishes on a site called OfferUp. After 22 years I was sick of them. I have been wanting a set of polish pottery dishes but they are very expensive. So I am in Tuesday Morning and they are clearancing plates and bowls very reasonably and it’s polish pottery. I just bought the plates and bowls because I never use the rest of the stuff that comes with s set.

i agree, the sets of dishes come eith pieces not useful.

[Tybee]

that's right, and Polish pottery is really beautiful--how cool to have a set. You can always add more pieces later, from different patterns!

[Teacher Terry]

I actually have butter, salt and pepper and sugar bowl that is a different pattern. When we went to Poland I bought these pieces as it’s cheap there. However, it’s too expensive to ship home. So these pieces I could carry.

[rosarugosa]

I really like mix and match better than matchy-match. I would think Polish pottery would lend itself well to this.

[Teacher Terry]

Rosa, yes polish pottery is great for mixing it up. I used to want all matching wine glasses but now my 3 sets of 8 are down to 3 or 4 in each set. I just use different glasses and think it's a great idea. As they break I will replace with unique ones from thrift stores.

[rosarugosa]

We had a silly novelty item that was gifted to us many years ago, and I was going to throw it out or donate it. I checked eBay on a whim, listed it, and I just sold it for $19.50! It is small and easy to pack and ship, so I am pleased. I love it when someone will pay $$ for our old crap!

[Tybee]

Took three more boxes to Goodwill yesterday. It is definitely becoming easier to let things go. If we make this move we are contemplating, I do not want to move all this stuff, and my ultimate goal is to have everything I own used and enjoyed, with nothing in boxes.

[saguaro]

Habitat for Humanity finally came and took the 10 foot ladder and old bed. Now we have more room in the garage where the bed was stored and I no longer have to worry about the HOA getting on my case over the ladder being stored outside.

Took a TV that belonged to my mom and a box containing various items gathered up from various places in the house, including some holiday stuff I don't need, and gave it to Goodwill. Another box is in the works and going to Goodwill next week.


Took three more boxes to Goodwill yesterday. It is definitely becoming easier to let things go. If we make this move we are contemplating, I do not want to move all this stuff, and my ultimate goal is to have everything I own used and enjoyed, with nothing in boxes.

I am finding it easier to let things go as well. A couple of the items that were in the last Goodwill run contained some items I would have never thought of getting rid of years ago.

DH and I are also contemplating a move, but haven't settled on where where it's going to be yet. All we know is that we really don't want to retire in our current home. DH is about 18 months away from retirement and could retire earlier if things get too stupid at work, but I have a few more years to go.

[Teacher Terry]

You guys are making good progress. S, thrift stores will come with a truck if you have a bunch of stuff. We have done that. My Husband bought some perishables that we will never eat all of it in time and I have a bunch of canned stuff we haven’t eaten so I am taking it to a soup kitchen today and another bag of clothes for the thrift stores. I don’t have anything stored in boxes anymore. DH is a different matter:))

[Yppej]

I threw out a bunch of papers last night while trying to find a receipt. Nothing motivates me like the frustration of sorting through irrelevant junk to find what I need.

[Teacher Terry]

Paper has a way of building up. I declutter it a few times a year. I also open the mail everyday and discard immediately what isn’t needed.

[Yppej]

A bunch of plastic bags that were stored under the kitchen sink. I had to empty out that area so the garbage disposal could be replaced. I am still keeping maybe the same number as sometimes I use them.

[rosarugosa]

This weekend I purged 1 fleece pullover, 1 book, and a wooden chest. The chest was difficult because my dad made it for me when I was a kid and it was the place where I once stored all my treasures and mementos. Unfortunately, it is rather large and had gotten wet in basement floods and had just been hanging out mustily under the workbench for some years now, so it was time to go.
I need to make space in the cellar because my husband wants to grow some plants down there with um, special medicinal properties, now that it is legal to do so.

[Yppej]

Several of the same newspaper clipping of me and others at opening statements in the court case that devolved from the pursuit of truth, justice and the American way into a money grab by the attorneys. The Office of Bar Counsel did nothing. I guess it is like doctors, police, and other professions where they all cover for each other. I appealed but am not optimistic, so soon may be getting rid of a several foot stack of case files.

[rosarugosa]

Several of the same newspaper clipping of me and others at opening statements in the court case that devolved from the pursuit of truth, justice and the American way into a money grab by the attorneys. The Office of Bar Counsel did nothing. I guess it is like doctors, police, and other professions where they all cover for each other. I appealed but am not optimistic, so soon may be getting rid of a several foot stack of case files.

I guess that would be your silver lining at least, although I'm sorry for the disappointing outcome.

[Tybee]

Yesterday dropped off a contractor bag full of clothes, fabric, and yarn and a picnic basket, carrom board, and child's guitar at the Goodwill. It was hard to get rid of the carrom board because I was collecting them but then I was up to three and I gave one to my son for his basement, and then I selected the one I liked the most of the two I had left. They are cool because they are made in Luddington Michigan and are pretty and local and you see them at garage sales here.

So now I am down to one, as I am trying to pick the best of something and save that, and let the others go. It helps to think that someone else will be excited to find them at the Goodwill. . .

[rosarugosa]

Tybee: I never heard of a carrom board, so I googled it and learned something new. Collections are tricky, especially largish stuff. I think I am at the limit with my chamber pot collection at 6. I use them to store my soap collection in, but that is another story. It takes some discipline to just keep the best, so good for you. :)

[iris lilies]

Tybee: I never heard of a carrom board, so I googled it and learned something new. Collections are tricky, especially largish stuff. I think I am at the limit with my chamber pot collection at 6. I use them to store my soap collection in, but that is another story. It takes some discipline to just keep the best, so good for you. :)

Chamber pots???!!! Girlfriend, I visited one of the world’s best chamber pot museums in Prague last year:


https://www.prague.eu/en/object/places/477/museum-of-historical-chamber-pots-and-toilets

but sadz, it seems to be permenantly closed now.

[rosarugosa]

Chamber pots???!!! Girlfriend, I visited one of the world’s best chamber pot museums in Prague last year:


https://www.prague.eu/en/object/places/477/museum-of-historical-chamber-pots-and-toilets

but sadz, it seems to be permenantly closed now.

How cool is that??? Too bad they're closed.

[mschrisgo2]

While I was making cheesecake yesterday, I pulled an electric hand mixer, and electric knife, and 3 plastic mixing bowls out of my cupboard to take to my daughter today. I much prefer glass mixing bowls and I recently scored a set of 3 for $3 at the Family Dollar Store in town.

[Yppej]

50 more emails. I also asked my oil company to go back to sending me statements in the mail because I couldn't find theirs amidst all the electronic clutter.

[Zoe Girl]

I cleaned out my emails, deleted and sorted, down to 11 unread this morning!

[Gardnr]

Worked my way through over 60 emails last night before bed. Each had something I needed to read.

[Yppej]

A fitted sheet that was losing its elasticity and would not stay on the bed, as part of my things that spark annoyance purge.

[Chicken lady]

So, I had thanksgiving at ds’s house and we played games. I thought about how many games are still in my house and almost never get played! Then yesterday my bio girls and dsil were here. I pulled out a small stack of games I don’t actually like to play, and set the girls on them. Dd2 took three, they called their brother - who claimed a puzzle for his wife’s classroom, and I have a small remaining pile to donate. It’s not much, but it’s a start. I’m going to sort through them again to pull math and language arts games out to play with d❤️Gs, so I may find a few more discards.

[beckyliz]

I gave a sweater to my 19yoDD last week while she was home from college. It's a beautiful wool fair isle style that I bought in 1980 in Germany or Denmark (not sure which at this point). At any rate, It's way too small for me these days, but I've held onto it because of the memories and as a special souvenir. She was thrilled to get it, which made me happy. I was very specific on how to take care of it and to NOT give it away or sell it - I would want it back. I hope she wears it and enjoys it.

[Yppej]

Tossed my lunchbox. I just bought it in June and it is literally unraveling. I am going to use up some of the plastic bags I have in the house for the time being. Do not buy a lunchbox at Walmart.