View Full Version : Another 40 Hours of Decluttering Using Flylady's Timer Method: Jan. 29-Feb. 29, 2020
Hi All,
I'm a teacher who is on a reduced schedule for about four months a year, mid-December through mid-February and mid-June through mid-August. I also have a REALLY cluttered home. In the past, I've had some success with setting myself a goal of doing a certain number of hours of decluttering during my periods of reduced work. I set one overall goal (usually 40 hours), then chip away at it in smaller increments of time. Some days I aim for an hour; others for four hours (with breaks!). I basically use flylady's timer method described here, but with longer periods of time than 15 minutes:
http://www.flylady.net/d/getting-sta...ng-15-minutes/ (http://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/flying-lessons/decluttering-15-minutes/)
Last summer, I stumbled a bit and didn't finish the 40 hours - but *did* finally finish them a couple of days ago.
In any case, since I started these batches of 40 hours of decluttering in winter of 2017, I've made a lot of progress. My home isn't perfect, but it is MUCH less cluttered than it was three years ago. And recording my progress here has really helped.
So today, I started another 40 hours which I hope to complete by Saturday, February 29. I made a big push today and completed four hours.
If anybody else wants to join in with a decluttering goal of their own for a certain number of hours, that would be great!
In any case, thanks for "listening" and for the encouragement so many of you have given me over the years.
Thanks so much for starting this 30 day thread. I am going to try to do one hour a day.
Thanks so much for starting this 30 day thread. I am going to try to do one hour a day.
Fantastic!
Teacher Terry
1-30-20, 2:20pm
Like others I keep a box in my closet for stuff to donate. Since I have been at it for so many years it’s not easy to find a bunch of stuff like it used to be.
Like others I keep a box in my closet for stuff to donate. Since I have been at it for so many years it’s not easy to find a bunch of stuff like it used to be.
A glorious problem right? :~)
Teacher Terry
1-30-20, 5:21pm
Gard, it’s a great problem to have:)) Now if only DH would follow suit in the areas his stuff is confined to.
1/30: 1 hour, divided between shed, decluttering tools, organizing tools with new hanging system, and kitchen.
Like others I keep a box in my closet for stuff to donate. Since I have been at it for so many years it’s not easy to find a bunch of stuff like it used to be.
I dream of the day I get to this point.
Even though that's still a long way off for me, I definitely notice a lot of the stuff that was easy to declutter when I first began three years ago (e.g. junk mail that somehow ended up in odd piles in weird places, books and clothes I clearly was not going to read or wear again) is gone, and I'm getting better at getting rid of stuff that I don't love and have no good reason to keep.
Every time I make another push at 40 hours, I feel like I'm excavating my true self - getting rid of all the stuff that is meaningless to me and keeping what is most meaningful. In that sense, it really feels like a spiritual practice.
1/30: 1 hour, divided between shed, decluttering tools, organizing tools with new hanging system, and kitchen.
Awesome, Tybee.
I tackled the laundry room today - a space I have never bothered to declutter and organize since we moved into this house nine years ago.
The good news is I found a lot of stuff to toss or give away. But I also realized I have to buy some shelves and baskets to organize the things I'm keeping in there.
I did three hours, so my new total is 7.
Chicken lady
2-2-20, 9:00am
Hi ejchase,
I am always impressed with the way you persevere.
i wanted to join again, but I was having trouble framing my goal. I think I am going to call it 40 steps out of chaos. So, I might clear out a folder, or prepare some lesson plans more than a week ahead, or work in the studio or the basement or the barn, or do a task I’ve been avoiding, or NOT do something...
anything that adds more order to my life or reduces unnecessary demands - that makes life simpler and less chaotic.
EJ, curious minds want to know.
Do you have any rooms in your home that are finished? All declutter complete and you love the peaceful space when you enter it?
I ask because I can't imagine the accumulation of stuff that causes the spending hundreds of hours over time on this task.
Teacher Terry
2-2-20, 12:49pm
If you live in the same house for a long time and have kids it’s easy to accumulate. I had a week to pack, sell, give away the contents of a 3 story plus basement house. We could only take what fit in a uhaul. It helped me to be brutal. My husband was working out of state.
Hi ejchase,
I am always impressed with the way you persevere.
i wanted to join again, but I was having trouble framing my goal. I think I am going to call it 40 steps out of chaos. So, I might clear out a folder, or prepare some lesson plans more than a week ahead, or work in the studio or the basement or the barn, or do a task I’ve been avoiding, or NOT do something...
anything that adds more order to my life or reduces unnecessary demands - that makes life simpler and less chaotic.
Chicken Lady, I've missed you! Glad you're thinking of joining in!
If you live in the same house for a long time and have kids it’s easy to accumulate. I had a week to pack, sell, give away the contents of a 3 story plus basement house. We could only take what fit in a uhaul. It helped me to be brutal. My husband was working out of state.
We have lived here since 1991. I think that qualifies as a long time. We didn't overbuy though. Our home is 1650 sf. It's our forever home.
EJ, curious minds want to know.
Do you have any rooms in your home that are finished? All declutter complete and you love the peaceful space when you enter it?
I ask because I can't imagine the accumulation of stuff that causes the spending hundreds of hours over time on this task.
I would say the guestroom is pretty decluttered - though my clothes are in the closet there, and I'm planning to make another "pass" through them in this 40 hours. But everything in that room is in its "home." There are no boxes of unsorted clutter or anything like that. That's pretty true of my daughter's room too, and the bathrooms. And in the spaces where there is still clutter, there are small pockets - a couple boxes in a corner, that kind of thing.
The most cluttered space has been our upstairs hallway, which is unusually wide and spacious. There are several boxes there - maybe 8 or more - stacked in a couple corners, stuff I need to go through and have had trouble making decisions about. When I started this process, though, there were easily 30 or more boxes up there. Seriously. I had a baby a month after we moved into this house, and I just didn't unpack those boxes . I felt too overwhelmed. And there were lots of boxes of clutter in the guestroom and my bedroom back then too. Those boxes are completely gone from the guestroom, and the clutter in my bedroom has been reduced by about 80%.
I know it's hard for "normies" to imagine why it would take so long for me to do this, but I've just always been a packrat, always had a tendency to accumulate too much and had a hard time getting rid of what I don't need. Also, I realize as I do this, that a lot of times I've just never thought through how to organize certain kinds of stuff ("Where should I keep the resusable shopping bags? The small paper bags sometimes good for lunches? The plastic bags I need for laundry when I'm traveling?"), so I am slowly developing that skill finally. This whole process has helped. And it has done wonders for my mental health. I've had such shame about my clutter for literally decades, so finally dealing with it has felt very empowering.
When I was watching the Marie Kondo show on Netflix last year, it was clear to me that it took some of those families hundreds of hours to Kondo their places. In general, I don't have that kind of time. But committing to 40 hours twice a year really works for me, and the support I get here makes a huge difference. And, as I slowly go through the house and develop systems for where things go and find homes for things, it's easier to maintain the progress I've made.
We have lived here since 1991. I think that qualifies as a long time. We didn't overbuy though. Our home is 1650 sf. It's our forever home.
Gardnr, it sounds like you have a pretty healthy relationship with stuff - good at not accumulating, good at getting rid of the unnecessary. I aspire to one day be like you. ;)
EJ: It is wonderful that you've made so much progress! Developing systems for storing and organizing will almost guarantee your success in the future. The one other critical skill is to be very conscious of what you bring into your home in the first place.
Go EJ!!! :+1:
Teacher Terry
2-2-20, 2:43pm
Gard, our 3 story house was old so only 1800 sq ft for 5 people. It only had 1 bathroom. When you have 3 boys you save clothes and toys to hand down. You also have sports equipment, bikes, sleds, etc. Living in a cold snowy climate means clothes for different seasons. I did get rid of things after the last outgrew it. It’s totally different having a family. Now with the kids gone we don’t have any of that stuff.
I would say the guestroom is pretty decluttered - though my clothes are in the closet there, and I'm planning to make another "pass" through them in this 40 hours. But everything in that room is in its "home." There are no boxes of unsorted clutter or anything like that. That's pretty true of my daughter's room too, and the bathrooms. And in the spaces where there is still clutter, there are small pockets - a couple boxes in a corner, that kind of thing.
The most cluttered space has been our upstairs hallway, which is unusually wide and spacious. There are several boxes there - maybe 8 or more - stacked in a couple corners, stuff I need to go through and have had trouble making decisions about. When I started this process, though, there were easily 30 or more boxes up there. Seriously. I had a baby a month after we moved into this house, and I just didn't unpack those boxes . I felt too overwhelmed. And there were lots of boxes of clutter in the guestroom and my bedroom back then too. Those boxes are completely gone from the guestroom, and the clutter in my bedroom has been reduced by about 80%.
I know it's hard for "normies" to imagine why it would take so long for me to do this, but I've just always been a packrat, always had a tendency to accumulate too much and had a hard time getting rid of what I don't need. Also, I realize as I do this, that a lot of times I've just never thought through how to organize certain kinds of stuff ("Where should I keep the resusable shopping bags? The small paper bags sometimes good for lunches? The plastic bags I need for laundry when I'm traveling?"), so I am slowly developing that skill finally. This whole process has helped. And it has done wonders for my mental health. I've had such shame about my clutter for literally decades, so finally dealing with it has felt very empowering.
When I was watching the Marie Kondo show on Netflix last year, it was clear to me that it took some of those families hundreds of hours to Kondo their places. In general, I don't have that kind of time. But committing to 40 hours twice a year really works for me, and the support I get here makes a huge difference. And, as I slowly go through the house and develop systems for where things go and find homes for things, it's easier to maintain the progress I've made.
You've made AMAZING changes and progress. Yea you! It's great that those locations in your home you have finished, you have maintained! That is the most challenging part of this for so many people. Case in point:
My oldest sister has asked me 3X over 20 years to help her declutter. The last time I said "I really think you can't live without it. When you finish using stuff, you leave it right there instead of putting it away." She will complain about her kitchen counters but leaves crap everywhere. She no longer asks me to help declutter. She knows. She chooses to live in it.
Congratulations on creating a system that you can work with, accomplish the goal and move forward!
I know it's hard for "normies" to imagine why it would take so long for me to do this, but I've just always been a packrat, always had a tendency to accumulate too much and had a hard time getting rid of what I don't need. Also, I realize as I do this, that a lot of times I've just never thought through how to organize certain kinds of stuff ("Where should I keep the resusable shopping bags? The small paper bags sometimes good for lunches? The plastic bags I need for laundry when I'm traveling?"), so I am slowly developing that skill finally. This whole process has helped. And it has done wonders for my mental health. I've had such shame about my clutter for literally decades, so finally dealing with it has felt very empowering.
Suggestions:
Reusable shopping bags: I keep 3 in the hubster's truck and 6 in mine. When I empty them, I take them straight back to the car. I arrived at these numbers through time getting rid of any extras based on never needing more.
Plastic bags for travel laundry: when we get home, I air those bags after emptying. After 2 d they go into the suitcases we used them in. Always there when we take the next trip. We have exactly how many we need.
Small paper bags: I have a medium sized handled paper bag in the bottom of the pantry cupboard. In this goes bags for lunches. When they are shot, hubster trashes the plastic and recycles the paper.
Emptied a laptop bag then sorted all the paperwork (about 2 grocery bags worth) into shred and scan then shred. Shredded everything this morning. Can't remember why I decided to stuff a bunch of old paperwork into a laptop bag in 2016. Needed to use the bag to carry my laptop, so the junk needed to go. Found my digital camera, pack of unopened batteries, a set of keys, and a bunch of buttons. Have to check the batteries and if they don't work dispose of them. Keeping the camera and will see if the keys work.
today so far, 1/40
Chicken lady
2-2-20, 8:52pm
So, the thing I did today was withdraw my request for an additional class next year. That won’t make a difference until August, but it will make my schedule better next year. I will take a small but noticeable pay cut (and lose some perks like paid lunch because I won’t be “full time” anymore) but I won’t start until 1:00 on tu/th and I will have noticeably fewer papers to check.
Suggestions:
Reusable shopping bags: I keep 3 in the hubster's truck and 6 in mine. When I empty them, I take them straight back to the car. I arrived at these numbers through time getting rid of any extras based on never needing more.
Plastic bags for travel laundry: when we get home, I air those bags after emptying. After 2 d they go into the suitcases we used them in. Always there when we take the next trip. We have exactly how many we need.
Small paper bags: I have a medium sized handled paper bag in the bottom of the pantry cupboard. In this goes bags for lunches. When they are shot, hubster trashes the plastic and recycles the paper.
Thank you!
So, the thing I did today was withdraw my request for an additional class next year. That won’t make a difference until August, but it will make my schedule better next year. I will take a small but noticeable pay cut (and lose some perks like paid lunch because I won’t be “full time” anymore) but I won’t start until 1:00 on tu/th and I will have noticeably fewer papers to check.
Wow, good for you, Chicken Lady. I'm a teacher too, so I know what a big deal this is. It's hard to turn down work, but often the best thing for our mental health.
Emptied a laptop bag then sorted all the paperwork (about 2 grocery bags worth) into shred and scan then shred. Shredded everything this morning. Can't remember why I decided to stuff a bunch of old paperwork into a laptop bag in 2016. Needed to use the bag to carry my laptop, so the junk needed to go. Found my digital camera, pack of unopened batteries, a set of keys, and a bunch of buttons. Have to check the batteries and if they don't work dispose of them. Keeping the camera and will see if the keys work.
today so far, 1/40
Fantastic! I once found in my decluttering a bag of brand new bras. I had bought them two weeks before finding out I was pregnant and then didn't want to risk stretching them so tucked them out of sight. When I found them again, I was the mom of a toddler and pretty broke, so the timing was perfect.
It's fun to find things that you can still use.
EJ: It is wonderful that you've made so much progress! Developing systems for storing and organizing will almost guarantee your success in the future. The one other critical skill is to be very conscious of what you bring into your home in the first place.
Go EJ!!! :+1:
Thank you, rosarugosa. You are always so supportive, and it means a lot.
Yeah, not letting stuff come in is still hard for me, but MUCH easier than it was when I started this process. I have a much better idea now than I did before of what I will actually use and/or enjoy and what I won't.
Teacher Terry
2-2-20, 11:26pm
It’s a process for sure:))
Spent half an hour on digital decluttering and stuff in the kitchen and bedroom,
New total 2.5
Sorted through sewing patterns and books from the spare room. Put everything on the local Buy Nothing group and anything left over Friday morning goes to the thrift store.
Current total 2.3/40
Teacher Terry
2-4-20, 10:45pm
Gard, I am wondering do you have some nik/knacks and decorations on coffee/end tables? I have been to homes where people have none and they can clean super fast.
Gard, I am wondering do you have some nik/knacks and decorations on coffee/end tables? I have been to homes where people have none and they can clean super fast.
We have a 36" square oak coffee table here in our family room. What's on it? Hand carved wood dish made by my oldest nephew, stone bookends-a gift from my sister years ago and in between, several books. 3 coasters made by a niece-fun photo decoupaged on each. That's it.
No end tables. We have 2 reclining love seats facing the glass wall, in an L shape and a recliner across the room.
I dust about every 2w. We're in a high mountain desert. It's as dusty day 1 as day 14 so I don't fuss about it.
Teacher Terry
2-5-20, 1:10am
I totally get the high desert dust thing. I am always learning from you and actually have less and less things to dust but more than you. In my living room I have a couple things on coffee table, 2 end tables and a buffet plus my tv stand. It used to be tons more.
Chicken lady
2-5-20, 6:14am
I put the neutered boy goats out with the herd and the bucks in together because breeding season is over. Thus gives me one less stall to clean and delays having to go buy hay. It’s the kind of quick and easy job I tend to put off.
so I am up to two things. I am having trouble finding things/time/energy.
Went through packed box of stuff for new house and got rid of most of it and put the rest in another box, so decluttered one moving box full.
Went through closet again and got rid of 2 pairs of black pants and a shirt that has seen better days.
Current total 3/5/40
I totally get the high desert dust thing. I am always learning from you and actually have less and less things to dust but more than you. In my living room I have a couple things on coffee table, 2 end tables and a buffet plus my tv stand. It used to be tons more.
From age 10 until I moved out, dusting was one of my chores. Mom adored her knick/knacks and they had to be sparkly clean every single Saturday. I've never had end tables in the family room nor a bunch of chachkies although there were more 25y ago than now. To that end, sometimes Mom would gift me one because she couldn't stand it. I remember one particular and she was angry that I didn't love it. It hurt her feelings and I changed my tune to be gracious when things would arrive just to make her happy.
At the cabin as little as possible is on the floor. Instead of a table in the short hallway, we bought a chunk of gorgeous raw edge wood that hubby sanded/finished and a chunk of mahogany from which he made corbels. So the hall table is attached to wall and there we park purse/wallet/keys/change. In our bedroom-1 nightstand to hold the clock and 1 48" armoire w/1 drawer for clothes that live there. Hubster will be making side tables that attach to the wall (eventually ;-) From the beginning we've do all we can so that cleaning is quick when we arrive and it's truly relaxing. Living room: sofa/love, 2 side tables, 1 table made by hubsters' grandfather who died at age 50. It held our original tube TV that was replaced with the flat screen we purchased with the $600 Bush refund we received. It's our family joke-the Bush Christmas gift. and 2 thrifted hardwood rocking chairs-I always wanted those there to rock away our old age ;-) Dining table/4 chairs and 2 saddle style barstools at the kitchen counter. Guest room as 2 side tables, 1 small dresser and Mom's queen Anne sitting chair I just couldn't get rid of and no one else wanted it. I have a 3x6f (free) sewing table there as well and I use a dining chair for sewing. That's all the stuff we have in that 1250sf.
I could talk all day long about keeping "the stuff" life simple so that it consumes as little of my day as possible! I can honestly see me reducing stuff by another 1/3 over the next few years. As I approach 60 I see myself giving items from Mom to family members in the next generation, if they are interested. I already know where 4 are going! I've enjoyed them since 2007. It's time for others to enjoy them.
Teacher Terry
2-5-20, 1:22pm
I have given my kids what they wanted already. Taking 2 boxes to the thrift store was inspiring and I intend to sweep through some closets and dressers again to see what else can go. 25 years ago I got rid of all the pictures on the wall and bought new ones. I am sick of a few of them and may not replace with anything. At one time I got rid of everything in my office closet and it’s full again. It’s small and not full of new things but rather things that were in the garage such as seasonal decorations. I also put a filing cabinet in the closet to get it out of my small office.
so I am up to two things. I am having trouble finding things/time/energy.
Chicken Lady, your two things so far sound really good.
I can really relate to having less papers to grade. I’m tutoring homeschooled kids this year for a tidy sum, but the best part is, no papers, no outside work. I knew it always weighed heavy on me, be didn’t realize the full extent until I retired.
I’ve been working on that mind shift too- not just “get it done” but “is this necessary? Is there an easier way to do this?” I especially ask myself with the tasks I want to avoid.
Chicken Lady, good for you for getting started.
On Sunday through Tuesday, I was mildly under the weather, so I didn't do much except order some things to help me organize the things left in the laundry room. I had to do some measuring and thinking about it, though, so I'll count it as 30 minutes all told. I'm really excited about the changes - think everything in there will be much more clearly organized now.
Soo ... to continue the true confessions I've been making here about the seriousness of my hoarding tendencies, I am announcing that as of this morning, I had 18 boxes of clutter in my office at school. I know. Embarrassing. BUT after procrastinating all morning, I came in and tackled them for two hours, which was a huge step for me. The boxes have been there since I moved into this office in 2017, I think, and as with the boxes in my hallway at home, I just got paralyzed in the face of them and did nothing.
I feel so happy I did two hours though and would actually like to keep going, but I can't - errands to run.
Nevertheless, I filled up a trash can and cleaned out two of the 18 boxes and now I'm really excited to face the rest.
I'm counting the office decluttering as part of my 40 hours because the office is just another cluttered space in my life that causes me stress.
New total: 9.5.
Chicken lady
2-5-20, 10:06pm
Ejchase, that makes perfect sense about the office. Good start!
thanks all for the support.
i have a rat problem in my barn. Today on the way home from work I bought two metal trash cans to put my feed in. I left them in the car because it’s 35 degrees and pouring rain, but buying them was a step. I’m calling it 3.
Teacher Terry
2-6-20, 5:55pm
Spent 4 hours today cleaning out my office closet and my nightstand drawers. The drawers are mostly empty. Have a box for the thrift store and a huge bag of garbage.
Spent 4 hours today cleaning out my office closet and my nightstand drawers. The drawers are mostly empty. Have a box for the thrift store and a huge bag of garbage.
FANTASTIC!
I put 1 more item in the thrift store box! After a knee replacement I won't be using my jump rope again!
Wow, Terry, that's great!
Last week I called out a new challenge for my online quilt group: Friday Finish! Choose 1 thing, anything, in your home you want done once and for all!
Today was the day to tackle our coat closet which has annoyed me for far too long. It was absolutely stuffed. I have 2 full large boxes: mittens--- How many pair does one need?! It's cold here. The homeless will benefit far more than I will! Jackets, walking shoes long ago replaced but in good condition, 2 yoga mats (who knew?) a pair of brand new shoes that are not comfy (they were spendy), 2 ball caps, a variety of scarves/hats, earbands and other whatnots!
A pair of hubster's older walking shoes-they will go to the cabin for workshoes and he will toss the old crappy ones there. Also taking a pair for me! 2 decent pair of my still good walking shoes are in the washer now. They will go to the thrift store. (my feet changed a few years ago and these don't feel good.
All of this to the thrift store today so that others may benefit for pennies on the dollar.
I'm so glad to have this task FINISHED! Why on earth did I wait so stupid long to do this? It took all of 15 minutes! And that was with a variety of conversations with hubster while doing this.
Silly girl!:~)
edited to add: I just bagged it all up. 41 items-many of which are pairs of mittens/gloves/shoes.
Teacher Terry
2-7-20, 12:29pm
G, why not take the coats and gloves to the homeless shelter. I buy them at thrift stores and then donate to the shelters.
G, why not take the coats and gloves to the homeless shelter. I buy them at thrift stores and then donate to the shelters.
I have done that in the past. The thrift store I choose, supports troubled youth, has a home for unwed mothers, provides adoption services as those mothers want to do so.....and this is important to my heart. I have an adopted nephew from their services, born of a mother who was taken in, fed and clothed and counseled. The store teaches job skills and pays minimum wage so a reward for the effort.
Teacher Terry
2-7-20, 2:23pm
That’s a excellent cause!
I am on a bender apparently.
2. I've gone through my nightstand (undergarments/swimsuits/jammies). 8 more items to the thrift store.
3. Linen closet (which is not by any means full). 1 item I made that will be a Christmas gift this year. 1 blanket to the thrift store pile, 1 Christmas pillow I made that is now with the Christmas decorations in my quilt studio closet.
Will I stop there? hmmmmm, it is only noon here:~)
Teacher Terry
2-7-20, 10:06pm
Decluttering is addictive:)). Found more dishes, a huge picture and a small telephone table from the 1930’s. Actually the table and picture I put on Craigslist because the frame and non glare glass make it worth something. I have done well selling things before and just listed them. The dishes to the thrift store.
Wow, I read these posts and am amazed at what is being accomplished. Go for it!!!
Wow! Everybody is doing so well!
I did another hour this morning, so my new total is 10.5.
But I'm going out of town tomorrow for a week, so won't be able to make any more progress for a little while.
Teacher Terry
2-7-20, 11:10pm
It’s weird because I reach a point when I think I am done with my stuff and then I find more.
It's like layers of an onion, Terry.
It’s weird because I reach a point when I think I am done with my stuff and then I find more.
Right? Who knew I could find so many items to put in my trunk:0!
I've been "attacking" my quilting stash too. I'm in an online group and 1 member started a challenge 2y ago called WITB (what's in the bin). The goal is to select one and sew out of it for an entire month and hopefully empty it! Well, my fabric is 95% folded and on shelves, not in bins. Only my really small stuff is in boxes/bins. So I joined the challenge last year by selecting a "stack" in my stash.
In 2019:
1. I emptied my 2.5" squares pencil box and the stack of 2.5" leftover strips (I square and strip any really small leftovers) into 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 3.5" pieces.
2. I emptied 1 entire stack of African prints received from a friend several years ago. In total that stack made 7 large quilts.
3. I emptied 3/4 of a stack of quilt backings-this is very wide fabric so seaming is not required.
4. I started on my 2" squares and strips and in January finished the first quilt top out of it!
In 2020 I intend to keep up this challenge.
1. WITB #1 has been emptied. In January I cut all the remaining fabric samples (received about 5y ago) and got 2 Queen size tops out of it.
2. WITB #2 is a stack of fabric in my bookcase. People in my group send me fabric (unsolicited) to make charity quilts. I've emptied the end of 5 boxes into this stack. I intend to use it ALL up this year. So far I have used 2 yards for bindings.
3. WITB #3 is to empty that 2" squares box.
Is this too weird to post here? I do love my quilting hobby. But I really am ready for garden season even though it is still 2 months away!
iris lilies
2-8-20, 12:04pm
Our Park Conservancy’s antiques booth at our neighborhood’s house tour will be a place I can donate stuff. I have been gathering smallish stuff, but just this morning I sat around our living room looking at Victorian items I am willing to jettison before we move to another, non-Victorian house.
My goal is to raise at least $1,000 from items I donate over a 2-3 year period. I think it can go as high as $2,500 if the right things fall into place.
Owners of houses in our neighborhood of Victorian houses is one of the best markets for this stuff, so it is good to get the items out in front of them. Also, I like to price things cheap enough that they are attractive to other dealers at this event.
Teacher Terry
2-8-20, 12:47pm
Wow G that’s a lot of quilts you made. IL, great idea to raise money for the group from your stash of stuff.
Chicken lady
2-8-20, 12:55pm
ejchase, you made a good start!
Gardnr, this thread seems pretty flexible.
this morning I put the last nine bars of goat milk soap that I had in a box in the basement on a pretty pottery tray I hadn’t found a spot for and took them to the little farm market cafe. I thought I was going to consign with them, but they preferred to buy outright! I took my “pay” in vegetable soup and apple butter. I guess I will get my tray back some time.... but meanwhile, both of those things are out of my basement and that task, which I have had on my to do list fir a while, is done. Thing 4.
Chicken lady
2-10-20, 7:52am
This weekend :
1- Dh and I reduced the visual clutter in the kitchen including removing one item permanently from our lives.
2- dh helped me cut scrap wood from the barn into boards for a school project
3 - dh helped me cut scrap pipe from the yard into sections for a different school project.
total 7
ejchase, you made a good start!
Gardnr, this thread seems pretty flexible.
this morning I put the last nine bars of goat milk soap that I had in a box in the basement on a pretty pottery tray I hadn’t found a spot for and took them to the little farm market cafe. I thought I was going to consign with them, but they preferred to buy outright! I took my “pay” in vegetable soup and apple butter. I guess I will get my tray back some time.... but meanwhile, both of those things are out of my basement and that task, which I have had on my to do list fir a while, is done. Thing 4.
That is so great, CL!
I am back from out of town, and, today, had the blessing of friends coming over which gave me a deadline. I did a lot of tidying and decluttering in preparation for their visit, and then had the additional blessing of them being late, which meant I could do even more. Part of what got accomplished was my daughter and I took a bunch of stuff in the backyard to the compost, recycling, and trash bins, so the backyard is much more presentable now. I also recycled a lot of paper.
3 hours more. New total: 13.5.
I have kind of given up counting because work has been hectic, but I have definitely been getting in 1/2- 3/4 hour a day, working on barn and shed decluttering now.
Teacher Terry
2-17-20, 2:04pm
I have never counted. Purged more from the kitchen and clothes. I have another box for the thrift store.
Money and Mountains
2-18-20, 4:51pm
I am so impressed with all the decluttering!! It can be a TON of work and feel so overwhelming at times. I see a ton of others have been on the de-clutter train so I just wanted to mention that my husband and I had an online yard sale (https://moneyandmountains.com/online-yard-sale/) and made close to $2000 selling a bunch of things we were just going to throw out anyways. It is such an easy thing to do.Much less work than a traditional yard sale in my opinion. We moved into an RV from a house so we had a lot to get rid of, but we didn't have as many years of build up as I am sure others do as we had only been married 4 years when we started to get rid of things. Would love to hear if anyone else has been able to make some decent money from the decluttering!
I did another hour today going through the boxes in my office. Surprise surprise, 98% of what was in the boxes went into the trash.
I had confessed before I had 18 boxes of clutter in my office (from a move 3 years ago, I never unpacked from). I'm now down to 14. In other words, progress is slow, but I'm still really happy I've begun.
New total for this batch of 40 hours: 14.5.
Teacher Terry
2-22-20, 12:26am
We decluttered our motor home. We had fun with it for 12 years but now with 2 little dogs I need motels:)). So happy it sold!
rosarugosa
2-22-20, 7:17am
M&M: I recently made $350 selling stuff to an estate sale clean-out guy.
EJ: Four boxes less, that is definitely progress!
TT: Didn't know you had finally sold the motor home. Congratulations!
After the clean-out guy and a recent trip to Savers, I am feeling pretty pleased. I currently have just a few outbound DVDs in my donation box.
Teacher Terry
2-22-20, 12:06pm
Rosa, we had taken down the ads because it was winter. We started trying to sell it last August which was too late. So Thursday night I decided to put them up again because our weather has been in the 60’s. 2 sisters came and both were older and newly divorced and needed a place to live with their 3 small dogs. They loved it and we were asking 7 even though blue book was 10. They said they wished they could afford it but didn’t have 7k. I asked what they could afford and they said 5500. I said sold and they were so happy. 1500 is a lot of money when you are poor and it felt good. They came back with the money a hour later. We threw in everything we had used in it because I am done camping.
rosarugosa
2-22-20, 6:02pm
That's a good story, TT. Not only did you sell it, but it sounds like it is going to bring much happiness to those two sisters!
Rosa, we had taken down the ads because it was winter. We started trying to sell it last August which was too late. So Thursday night I decided to put them up again because our weather has been in the 60’s. 2 sisters came and both were older and newly divorced and needed a place to live with their 3 small dogs. They loved it and we were asking 7 even though blue book was 10. They said they wished they could afford it but didn’t have 7k. I asked what they could afford and they said 5500. I said sold and they were so happy. 1500 is a lot of money when you are poor and it felt good. They came back with the money a hour later. We threw in everything we had used in it because I am done camping.
Wow, a big decluttering AND a good deed. Win win.
So glad for the sisters and pooches!
Teacher Terry
2-22-20, 11:34pm
The 3 cute rescue dogs sealed the deal:)). The 4lb Chi was so cute with huge ears and cuddled in my neck.
Terry, that is decluttering at its finest-- a win win and a good deed and a burden lifted, all at once.
Teacher Terry
2-23-20, 1:57pm
Mountain, sometimes I sell stuff and sometimes I give it away depending on my mood. I have a woman bringing her dog to try on a dog life jacket today. They were expensive and I have 3 different sizes from when my friend owned a boat. I have found dog items easy to sell. I sold 5 sets of dog steps and a dog car seat.
Teacher Terry
2-24-20, 1:14am
I was a little worried about the sisters because the motor home is 27 years old. They texted me to thank us for selling it cheap. They took it to a mechanic and only needs a few cheap fixes. My husband was sure it was fine. It made me feel good.
happystuff
2-24-20, 8:46am
Rosa, we had taken down the ads because it was winter. We started trying to sell it last August which was too late. So Thursday night I decided to put them up again because our weather has been in the 60’s. 2 sisters came and both were older and newly divorced and needed a place to live with their 3 small dogs. They loved it and we were asking 7 even though blue book was 10. They said they wished they could afford it but didn’t have 7k. I asked what they could afford and they said 5500. I said sold and they were so happy. 1500 is a lot of money when you are poor and it felt good. They came back with the money a hour later. We threw in everything we had used in it because I am done camping.
Very nice!!!
iris lilies
2-24-20, 9:12am
I was a little worried about the sisters because the motor home is 27 years old. They texted me to thank us for selling it cheap. They took it to a mechanic and only needs a few cheap fixes. My husband was sure it was fine. It made me feel good.
oh that is good indeed!
Reduced bags of old cassettes and cds from car and house to one container each from Bed Bath and beyond, so they fit neatly and don't fall over anymore. We still listen to both in car, so can't get rid of yet.
It's really inspiring to hear what everybody's doing.
I did 1.5 more hours in my office today and am down to 12 boxes of clutter.
A co-worker mentioned he's moving and is desperate for boxes, and that inspired me to empty some for him. I'll have four to give him tomorrow.
New total of hours: 16.
I'm so glad I'm using some of this batch of 40 hours in my office at work. It had gotten pretty bad, and it feels so good to be devoting time to making my work space a nicer spot.
I'm noticing that a lot of decluttering is about letting go of the past - old projects that you did or didn't finish, old interests that didn't really stick, and in the case of my office at school, old students and classes and class topics. It's very therapeutic in a way.
rosarugosa
2-27-20, 7:09am
Tybee: And I thought we were the last ones to relinquish our cassettes when we bought our "new" car in 2014!
EJ: That is a great point, and I think activity that supports living in the now and looking to the future is definitely a plus.
Rosa, I wish I had relinquished them--I still have about half but at least they are all contained now.
Teacher Terry
2-27-20, 12:17pm
Echase, that’s great! I took a huge picture and a bag of stuff to the thrift store.
I spent 10" yesterday going through a shelf in my quilting stash area. Out went 2 paper pieced patterns and the copies needed to complete the quilts. 1 set into the printer to use the other side. The other to a paper-piecing friend. A small stack of batik bits went into the bin that lives on that shelf. It houses my Fat Quarters and batik bits.
It doesn't sound like much but for me, it's wonderful!
EJ: That is a great point, and I think activity that supports living in the now and looking to the future is definitely a plus.
So true. I didn't really realize how much I was clinging to my past with all my clutter. It feels really good emotionally to let it go.
So true. I didn't really realize how much I was clinging to my past with all my clutter. It feels really good emotionally to let it go.
I admire this-- working on it, but in a tortoise-like fashion.
happystuff
2-28-20, 8:50am
If not actually decluttering at the moment, I have put the motivation in place - scheduled donation pick-ups for both March and April!
Everybody is doing such good stuff!
I spent another two hours in my office today so am now down to 9 boxes of clutter.
Knowing a colleague could really use the boxes once they're emptied has been strangely motivating, so I'm taking advantage of that.
I'm also realizing I have a LOT of work to do in my office. Dealing with the 18 boxes of clutter was the necessary first step, but I see now that once I get through the last 9 of them, I will need to finish decluttering the whole space and really figure out a place for everything and put everything in its place. I know that if I invest the time in doing that, it will really reduce the chances that it will get this cluttered again. AND I will be much happier at work with an organized office.
I'm estimating getting through the last 9 boxes and decluttering the rest of the office will take about 10 more hours which means less attention to my house in this batch of 40 hours, but I think I'm okay with that. Ever since I got this job I've been embarrassed to have people in my office, so it's time to face that and make it a space I feel good in.
I also think my decluttering at home has made my office decluttering so much easier. I'm so much less hesitant to throw stuff out than maybe I was three years ago.
New total of hours: 18.
I've been reading some books on habit-forming, and one thing the research seems to say is that the best way to create a habit is to create a habit loop - a cue, craving, response, and reward according to the current book I'm reading. I realized that with my batches of 40 hours the reward of getting to come here and celebrate all my little baby steps forward is REALLY motivating for me. Yesterday when I was going through the boxes in my office, there were many times I wanted to quit, but I just kept thinking that if I stayed with it, I could tell all of you I was down to 9 boxes, and that totally kept me going.
So thank you thank you thank you thank you. These batches of 40 hours over the last three years have been so life-changing for me.
Woke up at 4 this morning and couldn't get back to sleep (menopause!), so I got up and did 1.5 more hours.
New total: 19.5.
Did another 30 minutes in my office at work to celebrate the end of classes for the week. Down to 7 boxes of clutter. New total of hours: 20.
EJ: Good for you making the most of your insomnia!
EJ This is amazing. I figure whatever helps is wonderful. Bravo to you, especially tackling the office. You will be so happy when it is clear and peaceful!! (Says she who has a desk that needs serious clearing and a dining room table,and I could go on.)
EJ This is amazing. I figure whatever helps is wonderful. Bravo to you, especially tackling the office. You will be so happy when it is clear and peaceful!! (Says she who has a desk that needs serious clearing and a dining room table,and I could go on.)
Thanks, nswef!
30 more minutes this morning! New total: 20.5.
Finally had something officially OUT of the house - sold the old kitchen table. Yay!!! Only 1 item, but a bit one.
Finally had something officially OUT of the house - sold the old kitchen table. Yay!!! Only 1 item, but a bit one.
That's huge!
I got rid of
monthly statements for last year from some accounts
2012 tax return
a green vinyl bag that had cds in it that I found in my husband's junked up area, which I put into the central cd area.
I also acquired two more wooden cd holder boxes at the Goodwill for the extra cds I have found, and now they will all be together in one place in the same kind of storage, visible and usable. Alsoa new pair of reading glasses, but like magic, arm broke off of another yesterday so that is an even trade.
A few months ago, I asked my husband's family members if they wanted a chair my MIL had given us - had belonged to her MIL. The younger generation wasn't interested, but my BIL said he'd take it. He was in town Friday, so we handed it off to him. Yay - one less "family heirloom" to be responsible for. It was too delicate to sit in, so was basically a dust catcher.
30 more minutes this morning! New total: 20.5.
:cool::cool: your tenacity to continue this is fabulous!
It's going to be interesting to figure out how to continue working on this goal when I doubt Goodwill will be taking any of the stuff I'm getting rid of at this point because of worries about COVID-19. Hmm.
But today I went through the piles of paper on my dining room table, and it is now clear!
Just one hour, but it felt good. New total: 21.5.
Our Goodwill stores are closed but they still had hours for donation. Could vary greatly across the country.
It's going to be interesting to figure out how to continue working on this goal when I doubt Goodwill will be taking any of the stuff I'm getting rid of at this point because of worries about COVID-19. Hmm.
I believe they will continue to accept. The data is showing that the virus lives on inanimate objects up to 3 days. 24h on cardboard. It is also showing that UV light kills it. Oh for some glorious sunshine!
Teacher Terry
3-22-20, 11:23am
But if the stores can’t open to sell stuff they will have to quit accepting items.
We could just give things to friends and neighbors and homeless people who need them. I sometimes put shoes or large items in the alley and they disappear quickly.
mschrisgo2
3-22-20, 1:34pm
I noticed that Marketplace has lots of Free listings, with curb pickup today. Hopefully people are getting things they need and will ise.
Okay. I'm finally back! I've spent the last month making the transition to online teaching and having my nine-year-old home with me (half the time - she's with her dad the other half) and generally adjusting to life under stay-at-home orders.
This whole transition would have been so much harder if I hadn't started seriously tackling my clutter issues four years ago, but I have definitely been in a "two steps back" stage of my "three steps forward, two steps back" process.
As I've said a million times (and I've heard many of you say), the hardest part is getting (re-) started, but I finally did today. I spent an hour in our guestroom which is now my daughter's office and which had become such a mess that every time I was in there I wanted to scream. Because of the hard work I did decluttering that room a few years ago, it only took an hour for me to tidy it up. I feel ten times better, and I think she'll be pretty darn pleased too when she gets back from her dad's house.
I'm aiming to do at least an hour a day more the next two days. After that I return to teaching (we've been on spring break this week), so I may have to cut back for a few days.
I'm sad I can't continue the work I was doing tackling those boxes in my office at school (I think I had 7 to go), but hopefully, I will get to it this summer.
In any case, new total: 22.5.
Did another hour today on the fridge. Threw out a lot of expired stuff. Found some food I didn't know I had!
New total: 23.5.
Teacher Terry
4-18-20, 10:12pm
Great progress EJ!
Great job, EJ! I miss Chicken Lady. I really hope she is ok.
Teacher Terry
4-20-20, 10:16pm
Becky, I have been thinking of CL too and hope she is fine.
Becky, I have been thinking of CL too and hope she is fine.
I miss Chicken Lady too.
I eked out 30 more minutes today. New total: 24.
Hubster put 3 good condition items on the sidewalk last week with FREE signs. All gone by morning. We are happy to help folks in the 'hood who needed those items.
Hubster put 3 good condition items on the sidewalk last week with FREE signs. All gone by morning. We are happy to help folks in the 'hood who needed those items.
I'm going to try this in my neighborhood since Goodwill is still closed!
I'm in a crazy-busy time at work, but I did manage to do 30 minutes yesterday.
New total: 24.5.
Teacher Terry
5-17-20, 11:42am
Our thrift stores are open which is good because my son needed warm clothes for Alaska. After 3 months of processing fish he figures he can just throw them away when he leaves.
Our thrift stores are open which is good because my son needed warm clothes for Alaska. After 3 months of processing fish he figures he can just throw them away when he leaves.
Yes - good plan!
We're all about the baby steps over here.
My daughter and I tackled her art table today which was just a mound of paper. She recycled a LOT and now it's clear!
New total: 25.
happystuff
5-18-20, 7:45am
Hubster put 3 good condition items on the sidewalk last week with FREE signs. All gone by morning. We are happy to help folks in the 'hood who needed those items.
We do this often and call it the "Magic Sidewalk". Something gets put out and, usually, in less than 24 hours - disappears! A step ladder in need of repair disappeared this past weekend. LOL.
Teacher Terry
5-18-20, 12:31pm
We put stuff outside also.
Just did another 30 minutes with my daughter. New total: 25.5.
Well my teaching semester FINALLY ended, and I am hoping to finish these 40 hours before Friday when our cleaning lady is coming back for the first time after 3 months (we will vacate the premises so keep all safe!). I'm hoping to clear out a lot of clutter before then so it won't be in her way.
Yesterday, I put in three hours, so my new total is 28.5.
So, my daughter and I spent 2 hours yesterday and today clearing out dead plants from our raised beds and putting in new plants. I'm counting this because we have a big backyard which should function as a "room" in our house (especially since we're in LA where we can be out there about 9 months of the year!) but which we rarely use because it's usually a total mess.
I'm definitely going to be put a lot of my decluttering/"making home nice" energy into both the front and back yards this summer, especially since those are the places where we can do some relatively safe, socially distanced entertaining. I had two friends over a few weeks ago, and we kept our Adirondack chairs eight feet apart and had a great time visiting.
New total: 30.5.
My daughter and I just did an hour in her bedroom. It looks so much better now that we went through the clutter on her bureau and dusted it off and vacuumed. There's still a lot to do. We need to go through her clothes and books and weed out what she's ready to get rid of, but this was a good start.
New total: 31.5.
Teacher Terry
6-25-20, 12:30pm
Great progress echase!
Great progress echase!
Thanks, Teacher Terry!
I finally finished reorganizing the laundry room today. I had begun before the stay-at-home orders but needed to have a storage cube put together. My brother did that for me today, so I finally set up the cube and drawers and arranged everything in them. And I had decluttered the cupboard in that room back in February, so that room is about 98% decluttered now. It feels so good - I keep walking in there just to stare at it. :)
I'm obviously not going to meet my goal of getting to 40 hours before the housekeeper comes tomorrow, but I'm feeling good about the baby steps I'm taking. Every little bit makes a difference. In addition to getting the laundry room set up, I loaded the car with some items to return tomorrow. I managed to do about 1.5 hours overall.
New total: 33.
EJ you are doing great! Baby steps really get things done! I like that you are counting the yard fix up, especially since you can use it for social events. I get how you love to go down and look at how nice things are in the laundry room. I do that, too.
EVERY task you complete makes a difference! Enjoy that yard:cool:
Thanks, nswef and Gardnr for the encouragement! It means a lot.
I actually got up at 5 this morning and did two more hours before the housekeeper arrived. This was her first day back after three months, so I really wanted to make sure to clear away any clutter that would get in her way.
After three months of not really being able to tackle the clutter at all, I'm so glad it's summer and I can finally focus on it!
New total: 35.
I eked out another hour today and did 30 minutes on Saturday with my daughter in the yard preparing for guests.
New total: 36.5.
Teacher Terry
7-1-20, 12:39pm
I will be selling my old washer and dryer. My kids bought a really expensive set 2 years ago and are now moving into a place with no hookups. I bought them so will get rid of the old ones. I have been too cheap to buy a expensive set but it will be great to have.
I bet they go real fast on Craigslist! My husband just sold a trailer yesterday, and it was only up for 2 hours. It's a hot Craigslist market.
(Well, for everything but violins!)
Teacher Terry
7-2-20, 3:04pm
Sold in one hour on Facebook marketplace.
mschrisgo2
7-2-20, 10:28pm
Sold in one hour on Facebook marketplace.
I continue to be amazed at how fast things are selling on Marketplace! Seems like anything I’m interested in, is gone within the first 15 minutes! Makes me want to sell things, though I don’t have much substantial to get rid of anymore. I do have a stainless steel kitchen sink and faucet.... off to post it!
I did two more hours today - just starting to go through a bunch of paper I've had in different stacks tucked here and there on the first floor. I'm not feeling very motivated, so I'm giving myself a lot of peptalks. :)
New total: 38.5.
Hi Everybody,
I finished this set of 40 hours last Saturday by tackling a bunch of paper in my dining room/living room area. Thank you so much for all your support. I'm going to start a new thread for 40 more hours I want to complete this summer. This system really works for me, and I love hearing about your decluttering too!
Elizabeth
mschrisgo2
7-8-20, 10:57pm
Ejchase, congratulations to completing the 40 hours!
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