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[educatingarti]

This is the new minimalist/decluttering thread! I hope everyone likes the minimal title!

Artemis I'm impressed with your carload of stuff! Stuff that is no longer in your house, yay! :)

I only sent 3 bags with my volunteer today as it was a flying visit, but I did manage to get more stuff together this morning, so I will ask dad if he can do that on Saturday as he might be babysitting. I may be able to fit in a trip to the dump too.

I am of your crafty skills, becool, I haven't a hope in hell of making clothes for DD! She is in desperate need of shorts so I went to a few shops today. Incidentally, why is it so hard to find shorts for little girls that aren't denim? I resisted the lure of more lovely dresses and tshirts so I didn't do too badly!

m too big.

i better.

Oh and I only got two pairs of shorts for her (she had one pair already) and that will be enough. I was annoyed though that the only cotton pair I found was Hello Kitty - the SP book really cemented my wish to keep my DCs' wardrobes mostly character-free (they get a few character bits like undies/pyjamas at Xmas, and occasionally as presents from others, but I don't buy any throughout the year for them) - but at least they are comfy/practical so more age appropriate than denim I think.

What will the next thread be called when this one is full? m2?

BeCool i just read the last few pages. You're so inspiring! (I bought a Muji footstool/bed about 12 years ago and it's still going strong).

The less stuff we have, the less time we waste taking care of it. I like it.

Thanks BeCool for your words. When the DCs are in bed I'll read your old thread. Hope it can give me perspective and ideas.

I need help and support with this.

Same here IWill, I'm sure for lots of people decluttering and organising is easy but if you've grown up with clutter issues it isn't so simple as chucking stuff away! This thread has been great.

I've got loads done today. It's a real relief that I'm off tomorrow! As well as gathering lots of clothes (admittedly some of this is winter uniform so obviously the DCs will need more come autumn - but still, it's less stuff in the house over the summer while I organise it all!) I found a few more books and unnoticed toys, and we got rid of loads more crockery. Most of what we got rid of was technically fine (we got rid of anything chipped in our previous sweep a few weeks back) so it wasn't quite as easy, but I was really struck by what people said on BeCool's thread about having only nice stuff to use, less of it and replacing it when needed. And having less means there is less to build up before washing up (same with laundry!). We possibly could have got rid of even more but we can't be too minimal with crockery as my DSDs stay most weekends and obviously that means more gets used on those days especially if we do a roast with pudding etc! :) I am pondering the idea of putting some nicer stuff in a different cupboard, purely so we don't end up using it all during the week (ie not keeping up to date with washing the daily stuff up) but I'd need to reorganise quite a bit. One thing I do want to buy is those corner plate stacker things that go in cupboards, as it will space them out more and mean it is easier for me (with weak/sore hands) to get stuff out when I need it.

I'm proud of what I've managed today (still need to bag up the clothes sitting on the bed though) and am determined not to be discouraged by the fact that the house looks no different for all the effort I've put in. Because no matter how hard to spot it is, there is still LESS in this house.

Fuzz, and everyone, well done! Fuzz especially, as you are unwell, and I know it takes a lot of energy to declutter for you and me.

Still keeping on. Just getting rid of rubbish is enough some days, the amount of CRAP the children generate is astonishing.

And dd agreed that too small dress up shoes could go into their car boot sale, so hurrah! Slowly, we'll get there.

Definitely a case of slow and steady wins the race here building :o I just packed three regular bags of clothes/books/toys and that was knackering enough.

Although I think even if I weren't ill, the slow approach would probably be more sustainable for our family. We've always run out of steam before when we've tried attacking it but this time I feel our attitude has really changed and that's what's going to work in the long run.

Totally with you on being amazed at the amount of child-generated crap

I've been a work all week so planning on getting back into decluttering mode at the weekend. Have warned DS that we'll be sorting his bedroom out over the holidays. He's got lots of toys etc that are a bit 'young' for him now, so thy can go to the charity shop. I also want to clear out the dumping ground spare room and take loads of stuff to the tip. I hate going to the tip but needs must .

Cheers for the cheers! Great to hear about the 12 year old Muji footstool
Being back on this thread had made me see very clearly how far I've come this year. The flat has doubled in size. But it's the change on the inside that really thrills me.

I lived with so much stuff for so long I couldn't see a way out. Having help was a huge catalyst but it was me that did it. I made a decision as to what was to go and how.

I guess I had an epiphany of sorts re stuff. And I learnt to listen to my inner me - what I really want is space - not stuff. Even if we moved to a 2 bed flat an extra bedroom wouldn't give me enough room for all the stuff I had.

I still read minimalist blogs and articles most days. It's an awakening. I miss nothing that went. I still have bits to go. I'm still holding onto some silly bits. I was about to saying not a minimalist. But actually I think i am. Though its all relative of course .

I'm still a bit lazy re housework but heck I work ft and I'm a single parent of 2 inc a messy toddler. I'm not expecting miracles. But it is so much easier to keep on top of now

Re sewing, it's only post declutter I can start to really think about sewing. Which I really enjoy. So life improves in lots of ways with less.

From my kitchen thread the things that really stuck werefromMimamilistMommie and others(apologies on phone so can't check names) about the number of cups, plates, towels, bedding etc. you use and need. Simple but revolutionary!

I love reading about everyone's journey. Those triumphs. The lightbulb moments. Endless trips to charity shops. Fabulous!

I took a small bag of DD2 summer clothes to charity. No more DC for me so as soon as they are a little snug they can go.

I also took a small baby item that survived all previous culls. I was sentimental about it which was silly as neither DD used it that much. I'm happy it's gone now.

ok - I saved all the links posted by becool and minimalistmommi and harriet in a folder on my computer which has vanished thanks to the monumental incompetence of our IT dept ... share your links to awesome minimalist blogs, people, please!!

It is absolutely the change on the inside that counts! For me the main problem (as I suspect is the problem with most hoarders) was/is massive anxiety, the panic about somebody throwing something of MINE away, of not having something I need. But it is starting to drift away now, I'm not so anxious and controlling about it. I still have a way to go but honestly the mindset shift is well underway and although we still have a long way to go with the physical decluttering (and that's purely due to health rather than not wanting to do it) I am much happier and there is so much more space in my head and in my heart.

I joined this thread at just the right time for me. I had peeked at previous ones but I wasn't ready to change then, so I didn't post as I knew it would be pointless. But once I reached the tipping point and found this thread, I felt instantly at home :) talking to all you lovely people, and reading Simplicity Parenting, has made me really determined.

Anyway, now that I've already started my further-reduced hours I am off today so DH and I are going to attack the huge piles of clean clothes on the stairs :o hoping to find even more to get rid of too.

ah, becool just finished your kitchen thread!! How inspiring

Question for all you minimalist gurus - how many pairs of pants, bras, socks etc is acceptable? I have FAR too many (esp. socks and pants) but also have lingering anxiety about throwing any out in case I need them!

I'm doing the kitchen again, starting now. I'm going to give myself 1 hour to clean junk off work tops and clean all surfaces. Wish me luck

Arte I read somewhere that a weeks worth should be enough. But as we need sports bras and specific undies for certain outfits, keep those undies with the outfit. Eg if you have a halter neck dress which requires a certain bra, hang the bra on the dress hanger. Keep a weeks worth in your drawer. HTH and no I haven't done that yet

YY to change on the inside.

I had a conversation with PIL the other day after he had been to SILs for the day.
He'd brought back a chest of drawers with small drawers in it which SIL no longer needs. It used to belong to PIL's sister who died when SIL's kids were tiny. Now her DCs clothes no longer fit in the the little drawers.
He offered me the chest of drawers. I said no thanks, in fact we were soon going to have to get get rid of DDs chest of drawers for the same reason. So he said 'I'll put in in the basement until someone needs it one day'.
Last December I would have agreed with this. The other day I thought "WHY!!! None of your grandchildren have small enough clothes to go in there. You're surely not going to hang onto it for 15 years for the next generation" I didn't say anything, I was too busy observing my change of outlook. Only later I thought I should have reminded him about the domestic violence charity which would be so happy to have it and put it to good use.
He's on holiday now but I'll be broaching the subject when he gets back.

Iwilldoit, I hope your kitchen surfaces are clear. If not, what are you doing on here?

I still have "too many" knickers - but once this lot are ready to throw I will buy less to replace. TMI but I like to wear briefs under jeans and "ahem" big knickers under summer dresses - so that doubles them up a little.

I keep putting on and losing weight too so I have a few bras to cover the range.

Re socks I keep specialist ones - like for wearing with my walking boots, plus enough 'normal' socks for a week.

I did take lots of bras to the Oxfam bra recycling scheme (they send to Africa), and I got rid of lots of fancy knickers I never wear. I can't imagine I will ever go on a 'date' I want to wear fancy underwear for again. But if I do I will deal with that at the time :)

I just reread my kitchen thread - it has a lovely energy. I think I have actually morphed into an awesome hybrid of MinnimalistMommi & Bonsoir! (well in my head anyway)

Don't forget to use your timers if you feel overwhelmed. I do this when I get home from work really tired. I set timer for 20 minutes - as per UYH 20/10 method. It defuses any temptation to procrastinate (who me?), and it is amazing what you can do in 20 minutes. i usually want to do (at least) another 20 minutes too.

A week's worth sounds sensible. I have lots of knickers (never thought I'd be posting online about my undies ) that I really like and some plain old boring ones. I think I will get rid of the boring ones! Socks I'm not too sure about, I need to go through them. Bras... well actually I only have one ATM (plus a sports bra somewhere) as DH accidentally tumble dried my 2 nice ones :( thankfully the remaining one dries really fast! I'm going to Bluewater on Sunday as my mum wants to buy me some for work and comfy ones for home - how many is enough?!

I got rid of all DD's old knickers (except the snow white ones she got at Xmas) as they were tatty and a bit small and I got her new ones yesterday. Not replacing DS' boxers as he's got a bit skinnier lately and they'll fit for at least another term (and considering they are primark they are lasting really well). Threw out all their vests as they were tatty and will probably be outgrown by the time it gets colder. Same with DD's tights.

I also managed to get rid of loads of their pyjamas. They had a ridiculous amount. I will now force myself to refrain from buying them any (except one set each for Xmas eve! Tis tradition!) as PIL always send some throughout the year.

3 bras is good I think. Don't forget to look at the Bra Guru threads to make sure you get ones that fit!

Where's your lovely kitchen thread BeCool?

I probably have 40 pairs of black knickers... certainly more than 30. 2 black bras, 1 white, 1 nude, 3 coloured bras which I almost never wear 2 sports bras, 1 yoga bra.
I did a cull of socks recently but probably still have c.30 pairs.

Kitchen thread
flowers for decluttered kitchens

Kitchen thread
flowers for decluttered kitchens

oh

A yoga bra? I'm intrigued!

My favourite undies are all character ones [childish emoticon], the ones I'm getting rid of are the multipack type which are a bit small and worse for wear anyway. Socks... hmm, well I don't wear socks to work, and of course ATM I am usually barefoot or in flip flops in this weather anyway, so it's hard to know how many I'd need. I have loads of trainer socks and normal ones.

I am really pleased with what we achieved in a short burst today. Three more bags of stuff out of the house (or will be by tomorrow) and once I've had a rest I will be back upstairs finally organising the DCs' wardrobe/drawers for the first time in goodness knows how long. I'm not sure I will have the energy to do my underwear drawer too today!