View Full Version : 40 Hours Decluttering Using Flylady's Timer Method - May 20-July 26 2024
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:
https://www.flylady.net/d/getting-st...ng-15-minutes/ (https://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/flying-lessons/decluttering-15-minutes/)
This year, my regular schedule has changed. I wasn't able to do 40 hours last summer, but I am on a reduced work schedule now through May. I have had a lot of health issues this fall, though, so haven't been able to start a new batch of 40 hours until now.
Though clutter is still an issue, over the years of focusing on getting rid of it, 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. So I'm giving myself credit for time spent on those kinds of activities too.
Also, this year, I have some big home improvement projects to do: getting the exterior of my house repainted and getting my front and back yards landscaped, so any time spent on all the logistics around that I'm going to give myself credit for here too.
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 six (!!) 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!
Every time I start another of these batches of 40 hours, I think, "I bet this time I'll really get to the end," but it hasn't happened yet. I know decluttering will be a life-long process for me, but I do hope that I will reach a completely decluttered state for a few weeks at some point. :) It would just be nice to be in my home knowing everything that was here is intentionally here.
In any case, as I said above, I'm really coming to love my house now. I've had a bunch of houseguests this spring, and it's been wonderful to have them and not feel totally ashamed of my clutter the whole time.
I did an hour of decluttering this morning Total so far: 1 hour.
iris lilies
5-20-24, 3:36pm
You mentioned boxes and things piled up in your hallway.
Here’s a photo of our little hallway with a line of things cluttering it up. The vintage basket on wheels will stay there because it’s a cute piece of decor. But all of the other stuff – –Nah. , Maybe the cat scratching post needs to stay there because if I move it will the cats find it? The low basket holds dog toys so I guess I will put it in the living room on a low shelf, but it’s kind of ugly. I’ll probably throw away a couple of those toys, so please do not tell my dog.
but there’s a lot of my gardening supplies there and they will eventually go into the garage. But before that happens, we have to move a dresser to make room for it. There’s a dresser sitting in the garage because our upstairs guest bedroom is under construction.
See how complicated it is? Ha ha. Generally, I know in my head where things are going to end up when they’re sitting sitting around, looking cluttered.
our dining table is also my desk. I seldom clean it off except when we have company, but that’s fine because everything on my desk has a home elsewhere so I can clean it off in five minutes.
5894
Yes, it can be so complicated!
I'm realizing I can live with a certain amount of clutter, but things were really out of hand when I started this project 7 years ago. Our upstairs hallway is very wide which is both a blessing and a curse since it's hard to avoid letting things accumulate there. As you may remember from my earlier posts. I had 50 boxes from our move in the hallway 7 years ago. All but 2 are gone now.
"A place for everything, and everything in its place" is such a good motto, but it's challenging sometimes to live up to it!
Hi all,
I put in 1.5 hours yesterday. New total: 2.5.
2 kittens came into our lives this week - one followed my stepdaughter home in a different neighborhood on Tuesday night, and the other was meowing from inside (but underneath) my engine on Thursday (!!), so many trips to Petco for supplies have been necessary. But sometimes it's appropriate to accumulate!
iris lilies
6-8-24, 1:58pm
Hi all,
I put in 1.5 hours yesterday. New total: 2.5.
2 kittens came into our lives this week - one followed my stepdaughter home in a different neighborhood on Tuesday night, and the other was meowing from inside (but underneath) my engine on Thursday (!!), so many trips to Petco for supplies have been necessary. But sometimes it's appropriate to accumulate!
kittens!!!!! wonderful.
Oh yes, we need pictures to admire!
happystuff
6-10-24, 9:53am
Kittens! Congrats!
Kitten #1
5936
Kitten #2
5938
Thanks for the congrats on the kittens! They're not bonded yet, but we're working on it.
I did another hour yesterday - new total: 3.5.
iris lilies
6-11-24, 3:47pm
Two girlcats! Nice.
rosarugosa
6-12-24, 6:24am
Such cuteness! Thanks for sharing.
Hi all,
I did about 3 hours yesterday, weeding my winter clothes out of the wardrobe in the upstairs hallway and reorganizing it so everything is easier to find, and now there are enough hangers. Unfortunately, I did not find that much to get rid of, but I did find some.
The arrival of the kittens has necessitated figuring out systems for controlling the odor around kitty litter boxes, setting up a feeding area in the kitchen, finding places to store kitty food, litter, brushes, and toys. I would have been completely overwhelmed if I hadn't had the support of this group over the years helping me feel like I can figure these things out. I ordered a small shelving unit for the kitchen which I needed anyway to store most of it.
New total: 6.5.
Hi all,
I did 3 hours yesterday, weeding my winter clothes out of the wardrobe in the upstairs hallway and reorganizing it so everything is easier to find, and now there are enough hangers. Unfortunately, I did not find that much to get rid of, but I did find some. I also put together a new shoe rack for the bottom of the wardrobe which has allowed me to double the space for shoes there.
The arrival of the kittens has necessitated figuring out systems for controlling the odor around kitty litter boxes, setting up a feeding area in the kitchen, finding places to store kitty food, litter, brushes, and toys. I would have been completely overwhelmed if I hadn't had the support of this group over the years helping me feel like I can figure these things out. I ordered a small stand-alone shelving unit for the kitchen which I needed anyway to store most of it.
New total: 6.5.
rosarugosa
6-24-24, 6:49am
That's great that you weren't overwhelmed, EJ. Those furry little creatures do require a fair bit of stuff, but they're worth it!
You've grown so much EJ. Congrats on the kittys and not being overwhelmed! Finding a good solution to added "stuff".
Thanks, Rosarugosa and nswef. You two have been a big part of my progress.
I did another hour yesterday, gathering up some items to return to stores and to take to Goodwill and throwing quite a bit of stuff out.
New total: 7.5.
iris lilies
6-24-24, 7:31pm
Thanks, Rosarugosa and nswef. You two have been a big part of my progress.
I did another hour yesterday, gathering up some items to return to stores and to take to Goodwill and throwing quite a bit of stuff out.
New total: 7.5.
I have to say, I’ve noticed that you are returning a fair number of things to stores. Tell me, what’s up with that? Are you doing impulse buying?
I have to say, I’ve noticed that you are returning a fair number of things to stores. Tell me, what’s up with that? Are you doing impulse buying?
Nope. I buy things for my daughter online in different sizes (her size is changing quickly all the time), and we return what doesn't fit or she doesn't like. We do better with online stores than with brick and mortar ones. She grew a lot this year and has almost no summer clothes that fit her, so we're playing catch-up.
A big part of my clutter in the past has been forgetting to return items that we didn't want or need, so it's an accomplishment for me that I'm staying on top of that now.
Good for you EJ in figuring out a way and plan to get things sent back.
Thanks, nswef.
I did 5 hours today - I think the most I've ever done in one day.
I put together a stand-alone shelf unit for my kitchen to store food that was in the laundry room but was crowded out by new cat food. I also spent a fair amount of time setting up a new computer monitor (I had to go back to Best Buy twice to figure out what cords I needed) which will allow me to work for long stretches at home without leaning forward so much and hurting my back. I also rearranged some stuff in the laundry room to make room for a covered litter box I will have there.
I still have much to do, but I'm making progress. New total: 12.5.
I did two more hours on Saturday and two on Sunday. I'm still doing a lot of cat stuff. I also had to take out a removable shelf in one bookcase to have a place to store my new computer monitor which I use during the day on the dining room table.
New total: 16.5.
iris lilies
7-2-24, 12:54pm
I did two more hours on Saturday and two on Sunday. I'm still doing a lot of cat stuff. I also had to take out a removable shelf in one bookcase to have a place to store my new computer monitor which I use during the day on the dining room table.
New total: 16.5.
that is great, if I understand correctly, that you have a way to clean off your dining room table easily, That works on your dining room table have a place 0FF that table. That is how I work as well.
Yes, Iris Lilies, that's exactly what I'm doing. The monitor is a little heavier than I wanted (because I bought one with a built-in camera after several poor experiences with "attachable" cameras), but it's working.
On the 4th, I couldn't get into the course management system to do some grading for the online class I'm teaching, so I did a little decluttering instead - 2 hours. I'm hoping to get in 2-3 more hours today.
New total: 18.5.
3.5 more hours yesterday, mostly on cat stuff: putting cord covers on, stashing power strips inside organizer boxes, setting up an area for a third litter box, setting up a "litter genie" and then doing some decluttering and cleaning to prepare for guests. New total: 22 hours.
Hi all,
I was away for a couple of weeks but am now back at it. I did 2.5 hours the last two days. New total: 24.5.
And 2.5 more hours today. I am still doing a lot of reorganizing because of our new cats, but I'm slowly figuring out a place for all of their supplies.
New total: 27.
Still plugging away. Another hour yesterday. New total: 28.
Bravo EJ. I have kept my computer desk clear since January...and the dining room table is quickly clear able! You inspire me!
iris lilies
8-19-24, 11:17am
About “ dining table as workspace,”
For furniture logistic purposes, I had to get rid of our beautiful old Victorian round table, which was our dining table, and I also used it as my desk. Now I have a trestle table that is narrow and functions well as a desk, and it folds out to be a dining table.very handy.
Anyway,… yes I’d like the concept of the table being instantly clearable. I have mine set up in front of the window that shows our great view. I could also, theoretically, set up the same situation in an upstairs alcove of the bedroom, but I don’t think I’ll do that.
Iris, The trestle table sounds useful. It's so nice to have a view- I can see the bluebird box from the table! our table is round and larger than I would prefer, but I then have lots of space to spread out!!! Not always a good thing!
Hmm ... a trestle table. I actually don't like our dining room table that much. I'll have to ponder.
Today, I sent an hour clipping the wildly overgrown tomato plants in our raised beds and doing some weeding there. They look so much better now! I was motivated by the fact that some guys are coming on Saturday to put a drip irrigation system into the beds as well as in some flower beds we have in the front in front of our gate facing the street. A deadline is so helpful.
New total: 29.
30 more minutes today doing some decluttering in the dining room and kitchen. New total: 29.5.
I have backslid a bit in terms of staying on top of paper this year and returned to my old bad habit of just throwing things into boxes when guests are coming rather than actually filing things or recycling them. Today, I put in 4 hours and 3 of those were tackling the 5 boxes I have stacked in a corner of my dining room. I only got through 1.5 of them, but I did recycle 3 grocery bags of paper.
As I go, I'm setting up a better filing system so that it will be easier to file things away when I need to.
It's embarrassing to admit I'm still dealing with boxes of clutter, but I'm glad I'm facing them before more accumulate.
New total: 33.5.
iris lilies
9-8-24, 11:05am
I have backslid a bit in terms of staying on top of paper this year and returned to my old bad habit of just throwing things into boxes when guests are coming rather than actually filing things or recycling them. Today, I put in 4 hours and 3 of those were tackling the 5 boxes I have stacked in a corner of my dining room. I only got through 1.5 of them, but I did recycle 3 grocery bags of paper.
As I go, I'm setting up a better filing system so that it will be easier to file things away when I need to.
It's embarrassing to admit I'm still dealing with boxes of clutter, but I'm glad I'm facing them before more accumulate.
New total: 33.5.
About filing the paper: just make sure that what you’re filing really MUST be kept and filed. So much of our lives are digital these days. Life is much easier when you go into it with an idea this paper doesn’t need to be saved it all goes to recycle and you have one big recycle bin that you dump it into
I’ll leave it up to you to make sure that your failing is necessary, but I would think only a small percentage of the stuff that comes to your home needs to be filed.
I don’t even even open about 70% of the mail that comes with my name on it. It goes immediately into the trash. It’s junk mail. I will admit DH does a presort of our mail and he takes all the items he thinks are important and keeps them. I think he keeps too much. That’s fine, he gets to keep it, sort it, and file it away.
be ruthless in what you keep
I have backslid a bit in terms of staying on top of paper this year and returned to my old bad habit of just throwing things into boxes when guests are coming rather than actually filing things or recycling them. Today, I put in 4 hours and 3 of those were tackling the 5 boxes I have stacked in a corner of my dining room. I only got through 1.5 of them, but I did recycle 3 grocery bags of paper.
As I go, I'm setting up a better filing system so that it will be easier to file things away when I need to.
It's embarrassing to admit I'm still dealing with boxes of clutter, but I'm glad I'm facing them before more accumulate.
New total: 33.5.
Do you NEED to have all this paper? Are you getting your bills via mail or electronically?
That's great advice, Iris Lilies. I suspect you're right that some of what I'm filing I don't need to keep. But I find I have to do this decluttering in stages. Yesterday, I had a lot of stuff that was easy to get rid of - junk mail, old papers I don't need for one reason or another. After I get through that layer, it's easier for me to start culling the seemingly more important stuff. My system is not as efficient as it could be, but there's an irrational emotional piece that I just have to cope with as best I can. Getting rid of stuff I "might" need in the future is still scary - I have to work up to it.
Despite that, there *are* still days when the junk mail doesn't even make it into the house because I take it directly from the mailbox to the recycling bin.
Tradd - no, I certainly don't need to have all this paper. Most of my bills are electronic now. For various reasons, when life gets busy, I simply don't stay on top of recycling junk mail as it comes in or dealing with other paper appropriately. But like I said, I'm setting up a new filing system that should make some of that easier, especially if I take into account Iris Lilies' advice too.
Thanks to you both for your support.
I did another hour today. New total: 34.5.
I don’t have a paper filing system because I don’t keep anything paper that needs to be filed. I don’t have a printer at home anymore. Junk gets tossed. Anything else gets scanned with my iPad/iPhone. Important stuff gets saved two places. I do my darndest to not get any paper at all.
iris lilies
9-9-24, 10:09am
Here’s an example of paper we no longer keep for a long periods. I’m not even sure DH is keeping any of it now. Our city provides all of our utilities. I called down to City Hall to ask them if they could provide past statements if I needed them. They Said they could provide a year worth maybe a little more. I convinced she did not need to keep utility bill, and keep in mind. Our bills are so simple because water sewer – garbage – it’s all on one bill.
Iris Lilies, I aspire to get to that point!
I've been so-o-o busy at work, but I did do an hour today, clearing out spaces so our once-a-month house cleaner could do her thing. I took a lot to the recycling bin, which felt good. Total: 35.5.
Two more hours today. I focused on my bedroom and cleaned off one "hotspot," the bureau, which now looks pretty again. I got a lot of recycling and trash out the door.
New total: 37.5.
Welp, I've been decluttering here and there but not been recording, so trying to get back to that, which also helps me.
I did an hour tonight, and it felt great. New total: 38.5.
And today I finished up the last hour and a half! Thanks to all of you who cheered me on. Your support means a lot.
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