40 Hours Decluttering Using Flylady's Timer Method - April 14 - August 29, 2022

[ejchase]

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/

This past winter, I postponed finishing my 40 hours because I knew I had family coming to visit this month (April) and would be making a big push at that time, so I just finished that 40 on Tuesday. I still have about 2-3 more hours of decluttering to do this morning because I'm picking up my family for a road trip today and then on Saturday, they are returning to stay with me for three days. So I'm starting the tracking of my summer hours with the last hour I did on Tuesday and whatever I accomplish this morning.

Though clutter is still an issue, over the years of focusing on decluttering, I've also discovered I need to spend time on making my home comfortable and pleasant which involves putting in time on things like repotting plants into pretty containers, picking out a nice bureau scarf and a "jewelry tree" to make the bureau in my bedroom pretty, and finding a nice tray for the containers of salt, pepper, and olive oil by my stove. I've learned that decluttering is not all it takes for me to finally enjoy my living spaces - figuring out what's pleasing aesthetically to me is super-important too - and really fun.

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 and MUCH more comfortable to me than it was five (!!) years ago. And recording my progress here has really helped.

I know for some people setting up a home is kind of second nature, but I've always struggled with it and always lived in cluttered, uncomfortable spaces, so these batches of 40 hours have been a real breakthrough for me.

In any case, thanks for "listening" and for the encouragement so many of you have given me over the years. Your support has kept me going and made a tremendous difference in my life and I think in my daughter's too.

And, as always, if anybody else wants to join in with a decluttering/homemaking goal of their own for a certain number of hours, that would be great!

[ejchase]

I started my summer 40 hours when I finished my last batch on Tuesday and kept going.

I have to make the final decluttering push before my family's visit this morning because my daughter and I leave at 9 to go pick up my dad and sister to go on a road trip. When we return on Saturday, they will be staying with us for 3 days.

The upstairs and backyard are presentable. This morning, I have to get the first floor in order.

This deadline has been incredibly helpful and motivating. The house is nowhere near perfect, but it's better than it was three months ago. Our housekeeper is going to come while we're away, too, so I know when we return, everything will be clean.

Total so far for this batch: 1 hour I did on Tuesday.

[Tybee]

I am going to try doing an hour a day for a month, since I have things starting in May, new things, and I need space in my life.

[iris lilies]

I am on hold right now about getting rid of things because DH and I are having a sale during our neighborhood house tour at the antique/collectibles booths. I’m a little worried about what doesn’t sell there, but the neighborhood Methodist Church says they want our remains so we shall see. I’m trying to save things that I think I have some value, but that are on sale tables at Uber cheap prices, and get rid of them then. All monies will be donated to the park Conservancy.


My friend is digging plants in the public park – it’s OK, she and others put in and maintain the plantings there - I’m taking some of the ostrich ferns for my Hermann house, but she’s also giving me hosta plants that I will put in pots and sell at our sale on June 4. They will all look good on that date. I’m also digging hosta plants from my own house to sell to others, and already have a buyer for some of them.

I have sold $70 in plants already.

I don’t want to denude my flower garden entirely, but I’ve already lifted most of the lilies and put them in Hermann. I have a very nice collection of hostas, but I’m hesitant to take many of them to Hermann since the deer just chomp them down. It is likely my flower garden will become a building lot for a new house, so I don’t want remaining nice plants to be bulldozed, but on the other hand I don’t want to make the place bare For the new owners who will have it for a while, and then what if that sale falls through and we sell to other people who keep the garden?

[ejchase]

Yay, Tybee, glad to have you joining in!

Iris Lilies, it sounds like you are making some thoughtful preparations for your move.

I did 3 more hours on Thursday before heading out on the road trip with my family. The big revelation: I still have too much stuff in my house. :)

But the house is presentable and ten times better than it used to be. I just need to keep up what I've been doing.

New total: 4.

[ejchase]

Hi All,

Well my spring semester of teaching finally ended, though I am - for the first time in about 6 years - teaching one 5-week class this summer.

Nevertheless, I got back to this yesterday and did an hour. New total: 5.

[ejchase]

I did another hour yesterday. New total: 6.

[rosarugosa]

Nice to see you back at it, EJ!

[ejchase]

Thanks, rosarugosa!

Just 30 minutes yesterday. New total: 6.5.

[nswef]

Good to see you back ej. You tend to inspire me...at least until I change my mind. I'm working on an hour outside each day and the flowerbeds are looking controlled. Today is newspaper and mulch a bed day. Maybe two if I get going soon.

[iris lilies]

I like the way you plug along and account for this, echase.

I have an entirely different method of decluttering, but it doesnt matter, there is no one way to make it all work, We just have to make it work.

[nswef]

Got the one bed mulched!

[ejchase]

Thanks, iris lilies. I'm not sure of all the reasons this is the method that works for me, but it does, so I'm sticking with it. Of course having all of you encouraging me has made a huge difference.

Yay, nswef, on the mulching! I have some to do this week too. I might start with the teeny goal of mulching just half of one of my raised beds. I'll let you know.

I spent about 2 hours working with my daughter in her bedroom this weekend. She had moved into a bigger space last summer, but there were still 2-3 boxes of clutter from that move that we'd never gone through. We also put up some new curtains and weeded out some clothes that are too small for her now.

New total: 8.5.

[nswef]

What I like about your method,Ej is that you are also helping your daughter learn...You are both succeeding! And a 1/2 bed mulched is a great step. I used to think I had to do the WHOLE flower bed at once, weed, cover, mulch. Well, it still gets done just over several tries and that's GOOD ENOUGH!!! I just walked around the yard this morning to see what I want to get done today, the humidity is lower. The beds are beginning to be "just a little weeding..." It makes me happy!

[ejchase]

What I like about your method,Ej is that you are also helping your daughter learn...!

Thanks, nswef. She's pretty good at decluttering. I'm hopeful she is not going to inherit my issues!

This week I managed to do 1.5 hours, so the new total is 10.

I've made my peace with the fact that the progress this summer is simply going to be slower since I'm teaching and that I might not finish these 40 hours until the fall. I'm still making some progress.

[nswef]

I vacuumed the basement washer room. It was driving me crazy...It only took 30 or 40 minutes and it is so nice to walk down now! Today is edge flower beds. It's not too humid. You do a lot EJ!!

[ejchase]

Nswef, it sounds like vacuuming was satisfying!

I'm still consumed with teaching. My class ends this week but then we go away for 2 weeks, so hopefully I can do more in August.

[ejchase]

I'm back from vacation, not teaching now for the next 3 weeks. I just took some baby steps today - 1.5 hours. New total is 11.5.

[nswef]

Yay! EJ. I've been keeping the flower beds well under control. Next task is blueberry paths again, they are out of control with crab grass. It might be do able soon as the heat and humidity are breaking. Also re set the bricks around one flower bed. The rest just get edged and I've been using a hoe and husband weed whacks intermittently.

[ejchase]

Wow, nswef, it seems like you are making some good progress!

I'm still in baby steps mode - one more hour today before the housekeeper came. New total: 12.5.

[nswef]

Great, EJ. Off to the blueberry weeds now. It's fairly cool and much less humid! also staining a porch railing and a trellis are on the list. Among many other projects. 30 minutes at a time!

[ejchase]

Keep up the good work, nswef!

I've been slow. Just 30 minutes yesterday. New total: 13.

[ejchase]

Hi all,

I've been having a lot of trouble getting going again, so I'm "bookending" today, making a commitment to do 2 hours and report back how I did. It's a mental health issue at this point. Lots of clutter all over the house, and my daughter is with me this weekend. It's not good for either of our moods.

I'll let you know what I accomplish!

[iris lilies]

Hi all,

I've been having a lot of trouble getting going again, so I'm "bookending" today, making a commitment to do 2 hours and report back how I did. It's a mental health issue at this point. Lots of clutter all over the house, and my daughter is with me this weekend. It's not good for either of our moods.

I'll let you know what I accomplish!

Oh how I like that sense of tidiness When I’ve spent a couple hours cleaning and organizing. Please kick back this evening with a glass of wine, or chocolate drink with you and your daughter, or somesuch thing to celebrate and enjoy your orderly space.

[rosarugosa]

Good luck, EJ!

[ejchase]

I actually did 2.5! Still SO much more to do, but I focused on the common areas first, so at least those feel good now. Tomorrow, I'll do more. New total: 15.5.

[ejchase]

Oh how I like that sense of tidiness When I’ve spent a couple hours cleaning and organizing. Please kick back this evening with a glass of wine, or chocolate drink with you and your daughter, or somesuch thing to celebrate and enjoy your orderly space.

Thanks, Iris Lillies. Our version of this tonight will be cuddling guinea pigs and watching "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend," which my eleven-year-old has just discovered. :)

[ejchase]

Well, bookending yesterday worked so well that I'm going to do it again today. My daughter and I had a lazy morning reading in bed then had brunch. I'd like to do 2 more hours of tidying today.

[ejchase]

I did my 2 hours today - grumpy the whole time, but glad I did it. New total: 17.5.

[nswef]

That's great EJ! I love that you just keep plugging away at it.

[ejchase]

We had guests coming over yesterday - always a good motivator - so I did 1.5 hours in preparation for that. New total: 19.

Today, I'm hoping my daughter and I can tackle two of her bureau drawers which are so full of stuff we can't close them. I think this is partly due to the fact we got a lot of clothes for her from the Buy Nothing group in August which ultimately will save us some money (3 pairs of jeans which fit perfectly!). But we have to do some reorganizing. And hopefully, we will find stuff to purge too.

Another project I need to focus on in this batch of 40 hours is decluttering my office at work. I just returned to teaching one class in-person, and my office is just like I left it in March 2020 - messy! I'm hoping I can work on it a couple hours at a time each week. I know I will feel 10 times better at work if my office is a space I'm proud of.

[Tybee]

Are you at the end of your time period, and if you start another thread on this, I'd like to participate. thanks!

[ejchase]

Are you at the end of your time period, and if you start another thread on this, I'd like to participate. thanks!

Hi Tybee!

Even though I'm past my August deadline, I'm going to keep working on this batch of 40 hours until I'm done. Feel free to join in anytime!

[ejchase]

My daughter and I went through her drawers yesterday, and we found about 12 items to get rid of, and then I hung up some of the things from the drawers in the closet, which made it possible to open and close the drawers more easily. Just 30 minutes - but progress!

New total: 19.5.

[Tybee]

Okay, I will! Thank you. Maybe I will shoot for half an hour a day.

[ejchase]

I've been so-o-o busy at work, but one of my "hotspots," the dining room table, had gotten so bad that I did manage to spend an hour on it last night. I recycled a bunch of paper, put a bunch of other stuff where it goes, and now the table is clear. Very nice!

New total: 20.5.

[nswef]

Yay for a clear dining room table. I keep working on mine and can clear it easily if I need the whole table. But, it is a constant challenge.

[iris lilies]

Yay for a clear dining room table. I keep working on mine and can clear it easily if I need the whole table. But, it is a constant challenge.
Thats my m.o. too. The dining table is my desk, but I can clear it within 10 minutes, placing everything where they belong.

[ejchase]

Glad I'm not alone with my dr table habits!

Our house has been really messy for the last three weeks or so, and i have some challenging life stuff coming up in the next 10 days, so I'm trying to tidy things up a bit for mental health reasons as much as anything else - though work will continue to be insanely busy all through this time.

In any case, I managed 30 more minutes today. New total: 21.

[nswef]

EJ you inspire me. I, too, like it less cluttered and tidier but always know that when it isn't I need to slow down and take time to do the straightening, at least.

[ejchase]

EJ you inspire me. I, too, like it less cluttered and tidier but always know that when it isn't I need to slow down and take time to do the straightening, at least.

Aw, thanks, nswef. Knowing other people have issues with this really helps me feel less alone.

I did an hour this morning before the housekeeper came to do her monthly clean. New total: 22.

[ejchase]

I did another hour last Tuesday in preparation for having a babysitter come. New total: 23.

[beckyliz]

Sold a bunch of essential oils that I wasn't using a week or so ago. Also listed a stack of clothes on Poshmark. If they don't sell in a few months, I'll just donate them.

[ejchase]

Sold a bunch of essential oils that I wasn't using a week or so ago. Also listed a stack of clothes on Poshmark. If they don't sell in a few months, I'll just donate them.

Nice, beckyliz! I've been thinking about giving Poshmark a try this winter.

[ejchase]

I did 3 more hours today in preparation for the house cleaner to come. It was very satisfying and calming. New total: 26.

[iris lilies]

Today, since the upstair bathroom by my bedroom is now 66% functional, I moved toiletries from our kitchen to that bathroom. In it the toilet and sink are hooked up. It was a good feeling to have those out-of-place things now residing more or less where they will stay.

I like this incremental finishing of rooms here because I can put things together thoughtfully, put things away carefully.

[rosarugosa]

I'm using the EJ strategy in dealing with my cellar, always a daunting task. I really got into it yesterday and spent 3 hours down there. I put quite a bit of stuff in trash and recycling, and I also have lots to give away and donate. Apparently I have some highly desirable discards, because I'm going to have to draw a bunch of names on items I posted on the local FB giving page.
I had previously spent 45 mins, then 30 mins, so I'm at 4 hrs, 15 mins so far for this project.

[nswef]

Yay Rosa- When will I begin???

[Teacher Terry]

I recently started a new side hustle helping people downsize, declutter, organize and also pack and unpack for moves. So far it’s been easy to find clients and I have done this for free for friends and family for years.

[iris lilies]

So now “my “ bathroom is finished. I prematurely bought a very big mirror for it and already I don’t like it so I will donate this mirror.

I have to figure out the best way to store in a tiny bathroom: toiletries and soaps, clean towels, used towels to dry, Cleaning supplies, toilet brush, Toilet paper, robe, pharmaceuticals.


Our city house had a much bigger bathroom and I never really used the storage space for needed things, I would say half of it was empty.

I don’t want to junk up this bathroom so my additional storage space is a dresser around the corner in the guest bedroom. I think I’ll keep the “pharmacy “there. I may even keep extra towels there.

right now I am leaning towards hanging a wide towel rack over the door that would be used for drying towels. The bathmat can dry over the edge of the bathtub. One drawer of the vanity can hold toiletries. I have an empty bottom drawer that could hold extra toilet tissue, and perhaps cleaning supplies.

I’m not going to buy any cabinets for wall space until I’m convinced I really need them Because I would prefer to hang art on the walls. I really dislike the cluttered look of bottles of lotions, shampoos, creams etc. etc. cluttering bathrooms.

[iris lilies]

I recently started a new side hustle helping people downsize, declutter, organize and also pack and unpack for moves. So far it’s been easy to find clients and I have done this for free for friends and family for years.


Terri this is very exciting! Keep us informed as to how things are going. I know you’ll be helpful to lots of people. It’s amazing how people just don’t seem to be able to deal with the dumb crap that comes into their home.

[frugal-one]

IL… I have this in the bathroom at home. Works well and is out of sight (behind the shower curtain).

https://www.amazon.com/Retractable-Clothesline-JIMSUMM-304-Stainless/dp/B09M3K5K2M/ref=asc_df_B09M3K5K2M/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=563711344957&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6005929698479476861&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028176&hvtargid=pla-1597728480638&psc=1

[Alan]

IL… I have this in the bathroom at home. Works well and is out of sight (behind the shower curtain).

https://www.amazon.com/Retractable-Clothesline-JIMSUMM-304-Stainless/dp/B09M3K5K2M/ref=asc_df_B09M3K5K2M/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=563711344957&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6005929698479476861&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028176&hvtargid=pla-1597728480638&psc=1We have one of those in our camper bathroom as well. Very handy!

[iris lilies]

IL… I have this in the bathroom at home. Works well and is out of sight (behind the shower curtain).

https://www.amazon.com/Retractable-Clothesline-JIMSUMM-304-Stainless/dp/B09M3K5K2M/ref=asc_df_B09M3K5K2M/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=563711344957&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6005929698479476861&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028176&hvtargid=pla-1597728480638&psc=1
That’s interesting, I can see a few uses for that.

[ejchase]

I'm using the EJ strategy in dealing with my cellar, always a daunting task. I really got into it yesterday and spent 3 hours down there. I put quite a bit of stuff in trash and recycling, and I also have lots to give away and donate. Apparently I have some highly desirable discards, because I'm going to have to draw a bunch of names on items I posted on the local FB giving page.
I had previously spent 45 mins, then 30 mins, so I'm at 4 hrs, 15 mins so far for this project.

Wow, Rosarugosa, amazing. It also sounds satisfying.

[ejchase]

Yay Rosa- When will I begin???

Start tiny. Maybe with just 15 minutes. Some days that's all I can do.

[ejchase]

I recently started a new side hustle helping people downsize, declutter, organize and also pack and unpack for moves. So far it’s been easy to find clients and I have done this for free for friends and family for years.

I bet you're great at this, Teacher Terry.

[ejchase]

So now “my “ bathroom is finished. I prematurely bought a very big mirror for it and already I don’t like it so I will donate this mirror.

I have to figure out the best way to store in a tiny bathroom: toiletries and soaps, clean towels, used towels to dry, Cleaning supplies, toilet brush, Toilet paper, robe, pharmaceuticals.


Our city house had a much bigger bathroom and I never really used the storage space for needed things, I would say half of it was empty.

I don’t want to junk up this bathroom so my additional storage space is a dresser around the corner in the guest bedroom. I think I’ll keep the “pharmacy “there. I may even keep extra towels there.

right now I am leaning towards hanging a wide towel rack over the door that would be used for drying towels. The bathmat can dry over the edge of the bathtub. One drawer of the vanity can hold toiletries. I have an empty bottom drawer that could hold extra toilet tissue, and perhaps cleaning supplies.

I’m not going to buy any cabinets for wall space until I’m convinced I really need them Because I would prefer to hang art on the walls. I really dislike the cluttered look of bottles of lotions, shampoos, creams etc. etc. cluttering bathrooms.

I've found it really helpful to google topics like "how to organize your bathroom." Often it helps me clarify what I do and don't want. But it sounds like you have a pretty clear idea.

[Teacher Terry]

So far it’s been fun helping people and one client is moving across the country and we discussed the cost of moving items versus selling and rebuying at the new location. She was really stressed out so used some of my counseling skills. I also am being very mindful of meeting them where they are at emotionally because as we all know it’s not just about the physical stuff.

[beckyliz]

So far it’s been fun helping people and one client is moving across the country and we discussed the cost of moving items versus selling and rebuying at the new location. She was really stressed out so used some of my counseling skills. I also am being very mindful of meeting them where they are at emotionally because as we all know it’s not just about the physical stuff.

when I had my organizing business, I quickly developed "life coaching" skills. Sounds like you are a natural at this!

[Teacher Terry]

Becky, I didn’t realize you had an organizing business. Did you enjoy it?

[rosarugosa]

I'm up to 5.5 hrs spent on the cellar project. I've got a box of pottery for Sis to take to work to rehome, and another box of miscellaneous donations.

[nswef]

I cleaned half the closet floor! Got rid of- well relegated to the goodwill pile- a pair of sandals. The good thing is the floor is clean! It had been sorely neglected. The other half I'd cleaned earlier. I also cleaned out my hair accessories drawer which had a multitude of other things...got rid of stuff, organized and wonder why I think these hair things will make my fine flimsy hair look glamorous! I'm doing 5 minutes at a time that end up being 20 or 30.

[ejchase]

Congratulations rosarugosa and nswef on your progress!

I did 2 hours yesterday in preparation to have a friend of my daughter's and her mom over for pizza before we all went to a holiday light show. Deadlines are so helpful!

New total: 28.

[beckyliz]

Becky, I didn’t realize you had an organizing business. Did you enjoy it?

Oh yes! especially when you could see (almost literally) a light bulb go off above the client's head. Most of my clients ended up being women ages 50-75 or so. A lot of them were well-educated and smart, but this one thing had gotten a bit out of hand in their lives. A lot of times, it was due to a crises of some sort - illness, divorce, death in the family. By the time they were able to put their head above water, they looked around and their home was a cluttered and they felt overwhelmed. They would feel so guilty and mad about it! I was able to talk them down and make them understand clutter is not a character flaw - it just happens when you're busy with other things and they are amazing in so many ways.

[Teacher Terry]

Becky, you have a healthy perspective on clutter. It can really happen to anyone given the right circumstances.

[rosarugosa]

I'm up to 8 hours, and I've given away several more items as detailed on the December purge thread.

[rosarugosa]

Spent another 1.5 hours in the cellar today. Delivered one of my giveaway items this morning, because the woman could not find my house, and I was not about to pass up the opportunity to rehome something from the cellar cleanout project! Fortunately she lives on the route of one of my local walks.

[nswef]

Good work Rosa. Getting it homed is always a great feeling. I cleaned one shelf in the linen/drug/hair stuff closet. Got rid of several WAY out of date over the counter drugs...kept cough syrup, some stomach stuff and allergy stuff. Much tidier now and I know what we have. I threw out sunscreen that I disliked the smell and feel of. Turns out Dollar General is my favorite, not much scent and no oiliness.

[ejchase]

Wow. Rosa and nswef - nice progress.

I've been away visiting family for the holidays, but I don't teach for the next 6 weeks (though I do have other work to do) so am hoping to start another big decluttering push soon. Thanks for the inspiration.

[iris lilies]

Spent another 1.5 hours in the cellar today. Delivered one of my giveaway items this morning, because the woman could not find my house, and I was not about to pass up the opportunity to rehome something from the cellar cleanout project! Fortunately she lives on the route of one of my local walks.
Yes. While I only did it a few times, I got so that I preferred to deliver free items to people in my neighborhood because I got tired of them saying that come and get them and they never did. I delivered for porch pick up in didn’t try to coordinate if they’d be home or not.

[nswef]

EJ your decluttering keeps me thinking about doing more! Always inspirational. The cleaning one shelf at a time is working. I could do it every day...but I don't. The paper work things flummox me so I avoid them.

[ejchase]

EJ your decluttering keeps me thinking about doing more! Always inspirational. The cleaning one shelf at a time is working. I could do it every day...but I don't. The paper work things flummox me so I avoid them.

Nswef, I feel like it's so hard to do ANYTHING every day, but every day you do it COUNTS.

Speaking of, I managed to eke out my first hour of decluttering for the year yesterday. New total: 29.

[rosarugosa]

I've done another 1.5 hrs in the cellar, so I'm at a total of 11 hours. We cleaned, took apart and reassembled our wooden modular wine rack and glued it this time, so it should hold up for the duration. This allowed me to move a lot of bottles down to the wine rack from other places in the house (mostly mocktails, I'm not so into wine these days), so we maximized the storage utility of that piece. I also drew up a list of subtasks of the remaining cellar-related tasks, so when I'm in the mood to work down there, I won't spend a lot of time spinning my wheels on wondering what to tackle next.

[ejchase]

Rosarugosa, it sounds like you are making amazing progress.

I'm still working in baby steps here. Did 30 minutes yesterday. New total: 29.5.

[rosarugosa]

EJ: forward motion is what really matters! I did another 30 mins yesterday, so I'm up to 11.5 hours. I think 20 hrs. will be enough to complete my cellar project.

[ejchase]

EJ: forward motion is what really matters!

Yes! One of my mantras is "Any step forward is a step forward!"

I did another hour yesterday. New total: 30.5.

[rosarugosa]

I spent 1/2 hour in the cellar today and cleaned out my little cabinet of laundry and cleaning supplies.

[ejchase]

In preparation for my daughter to have 2 friends over for a sleepover tonight, I did 3 more hours. New total: 33.5.

[ejchase]

I'm realizing that I'm not going to be able to complete this 40 hours AND complete another 40 by the end of February because I have a huge work project that has to take precedence this year. So I think after I finish this 40, I'm going to start another 40 with a deadline in mid-June. This will allow me to stick to my regular goal of 80 hours total of decluttering per year but adjust my deadlines to accommodate these new work priorities.

An interesting sidenote, though: the work project I've been focused on has felt HUGE and overwhelming, and I've been really stressed about it. But I've actually been using the timer method with that, and it's really helping. When I feel panicked about it, I just say to myself, "All you have to today is spend an hour on it and then you can stop." After weeks of feeling in total despair about it (I started it last August!), I FINALLY am starting to feel more confident that I can do a good job on it. I think I probably have at least 30 more hours of work to do on it, but I'm starting to gain momentum. This is the exact pattern that tends to emerge when I'm doing a batch of decluttering, so I guess decluttering is helping me deal with the other tasks I want to avoid in my life.

And today I had to come up to campus to meet a student, so I decided to do 30 minutes of digital decluttering on my work computer. New total: 34.

[rosarugosa]

EJ: Your work product is another example of eating the elephant one bite at a time, which can be such an effective strategy. My cellar to-do list is headed "Elephant Bites," because it amuses me. DH just thinks I'm crazy.

[ejchase]

EJ: My cellar to-do list is headed "Elephant Bites," because it amuses me.

I love that!

[ejchase]

I did another hour yesterday. New total: 35.

[rosarugosa]

I've done another 2.5 hours in the past few days and I've checked some of the elephant bites off my list. I'm up to 15.5 hours. It will never be lovely down there, but it's definitely a lot better than when I started!

[ejchase]

Rosarugosa, I'm so inspired by your progress.

I did another hour on Thursday in preparation for the housekeeper coming. If I don't declutter some of my "hot spots" before she comes, it's so much harder for her to clean.

But I got my wisdom teeth out on Tuesday, so I"m laying low for a while.

Still, new total is 36.

[rosarugosa]

Good job, EJ! Hope your wisdom teeth recovery is an easy one.

[ejchase]

I'm almost completely recovered from my wisdom teeth surgery. It took so much longer than I thought it would - 2 weeks so far!

In any case, I managed an hour on Sunday. New total: 37.

[rosarugosa]

Wow, glad you are feeling better. I find that I'm slowing down on my cellar project as I get closer to being finished, which is kind of weird. Usually I like to wrap things up and check them off my list. I'm up to 17.5 hours, and I'm sure I could finish up in less than two hours more.

[rosarugosa]

I did another half hour yesterday, and I'm committed to completing this project and checking it off my list this week.

[rosarugosa]

I devoted a final hour or so yesterday and completed the cellar cleanout project in just about 19 hours. Now to maintain the same level of tidiness down there . . .

[iris lilies]

I devoted a final hour or so yesterday and completed the cellar cleanout project in just about 19 hours. Now to maintain the same level of tidiness down there . . .
BIG victory there, girlfriend. Good job.

[nswef]

Yay!!!! Rosa! I bet you feel so good!!!!

[ejchase]

I devoted a final hour or so yesterday and completed the cellar cleanout project in just about 19 hours. Now to maintain the same level of tidiness down there . . .

Congratulations, Rosa! That must feel so good.

[Teacher Terry]

Congrats Rosa!! Finishing a big project feels great. I went through my 3 closets and threw some stuff away and gave other stuff to the thrift store.

[ejchase]

Hi all,

I actually completed the last 3 hours of this batch of 40 on Monday, Feb. 13 when I had to do some rushed decluttering to make my house presentable for the person who was coming to feed our guinea pigs while we were away!

Thanks for all your support. I'm going to start a new thread now for the next batch.

[rosarugosa]

Well done, EJ! It's great to hear of your progress!

[ejchase]

Thanks, Rosa!