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Original poster

Decluttering in 2017- A carrier bag a day

328 replies

Snap8TheCat · 01/01/2017 12:11

I read about this method in 2015 and gave it a try last year, it was mostly sucessful and I kept a track of what I had got rid of on my phone. It was interesting to look back at the end of the year to realise I missed none of it!

I'd like to do it all again for 2017, perhaps even more committed this year!

I like lots of the other decluttering methods such as KonMarie or Flylady and do incorporate many of their rules but I also know that getting rid of a carrier bag a day is easier for me to fit in to my life.

I'm a childminder working 4 days a week 8-6pm and have 3 dc of my own, 13,10 and 6. Dh is a shift worker so our lives are busy and the house can get out of control quickly with the mindees and my job.

I'm looking for anyone to join me, anyone who likes the idea of decluttering but always feels they fail as they don't have the time. This is literally one carrier bag a day, either a large item like a toy or a quick sort out of a kitchen drawer whilst waiting for the kettle to boil. Just trying to stay on top of the flow of stuff that constantly enters our home.

January 1st and I have got rid of two plants on my kitchen that we're dying. I was desperately trying to keep them alive but realise I'm crap and that and they depress me every time I see them.

Anyone else? Smile

OP posts:
Vinorosso74 · 19/02/2017 10:03

Katy yes you're right. I am trying to persuade him but he just procrastinates. It took him a couple of months to sort out some paperwork last year. FIL is a hoarder so I'm worrying he's inherited that gene!
DD is back at school on Tuesday and I have a pile of clothes I like but not sure if they fit so going to go through them.

katymac · 19/02/2017 15:43

It's a tricky situation

I was lucky (today) while I was at work DH took down a shelf for me - which was great, but he can't always be depended on

Vinorosso74 · 19/02/2017 16:37

It is tricky.
Well today has been more fruitful than I expected. DD has a friend over so started going through stuff on top of the wardrobes. One bag to textile recycling, some tiny socks to go to SIL and some other bits I think I'll put on Freecycle.

OrlandaFuriosa · 19/02/2017 17:53

One rocking chair, to another nephew.

All waiting to go:
2 books to one friend, plus another when I've finished it.
Another to another.
A bag of 25 books to three friends for them to take.

4 bags of shoes to charity! I'm never going to be able to wear heels again so have to recognise that fact.

OrlandaFuriosa · 19/02/2017 17:57

Oh, and

Two sets of curtains plus poles to friend.
1 bag of manky bathroom stuff.
One bag of nice bathroom stuff going to friend above.

I keep thinking I have done nothing and certainly I haven't managed a bag a day, but overall I think I'm beating more than 1 a week..

Papers are the major problem, then clothes. And my kitchen equipment.

May09Bump · 19/02/2017 21:04

Two huge bags of garden rubbish gone - took advantage of the milder weather.

Vinorosso74 · 22/02/2017 22:56

How is it going this week all?
Bag of baby blankets went today via Freecycle, had a no show for another item but some others have been in touch. Less clutter on top of the wardrobes which is good.
Today I discovered I have way too many socks. Binned the well worn ones but I won't need to buy any for some time.... Still need to try the clothes on.

May09Bump · 23/02/2017 13:10

Spoke to soon about the weather - going slow here, watching and praying my trees don't come down.

1 box of packing materials, cardboard and Mags out the door. Looks like my carrier bag today will be wheelie bins of branches.

Great going VR74!

Vinorosso74 · 23/02/2017 14:22

Doris has blown a lot of rubbish into the garden but I'm not going out there to clear it up today!
Tried the clothes on (and went through some more), a few to keep, some for charity, a bag for textile recycling but kept a few bits for some decorating which needs doing.
Need to keep coming back to keep the motivation up!

katymac · 23/02/2017 20:39

2 days in Birmingham & I hurt my knee

I'm not doing too well this week

But you guys have done brilliantly - well done!

May09Bump · 25/02/2017 22:50

Hope your knee feels better - easy said than done, but rest it as much as possible Katymac.

Did the bins full of branches from the storm, now another on the way - bollocks! At least the bins won't move as heavy as hell.

katymac · 25/02/2017 22:59

DH has been burning allour loose wood - free central heating Grin

I haven't done much - 2 shifts at work prevented a lot & a fair amount of sewing!!

I did a tiny bit of painting today but nothing has left the house at all Sad

May09Bump · 25/02/2017 23:17

We have stacks of wood everywhere - we recently bought a house on a heavily wooded plot and the old lady had been piling up wood for years. We need a woodburner- but on a long renovation list. Great free heat!

Wildernesstips · 26/02/2017 16:19

I have started decluttering. Things are generally tidy but we have a couple of dumping rooms and it just annoys me.

Yesterday, I took a bag of board games and a bag of cookery books to the charity shop. That bag of books has been sat in the hallway for a week Hmm.

Today, DH & I have spent 5 hours sorting Playmobil. Some we want to box and keep, some I want to sell. Still needs more work before it can be listed.

May09Bump · 01/03/2017 12:13

Two big boxes of stuff removed from garage, but filled again with bathroom fittings - so doesn't look any better.

Good going Wildernesstips!

Vinorosso74 · 01/03/2017 18:00

I've not been at home much in the last few days so haven't achieved a great deal. The bits I put on Freecycle have all left the building.
DP is STILL to begin on his stuff.
I'm away at the weekend so will continue next week.

Vinorosso74 · 01/03/2017 18:01

May09 I think things do look worse before they get better.

Wildernesstips · 01/03/2017 18:28

I agree, things always look worse before they get better. Filled a carrier bag with books and took them into work for our quiet room.

katymac · 01/03/2017 20:49

I painted some more - but haven't cleared out anything at all

Sounds like you are all doing great Smile

Wildernesstips · 02/03/2017 19:23

Listed a guitar for sale at work today. Would be good to get rid of such a large item.

Wildernesstips · 04/03/2017 19:06

Dropped 5 pairs of glasses off at Vision Express for charity today. Almost finished with sorting out the Playmobil!

Sold a game on eBay but for such a low price that I'm wondering why I bothered.

katymac · 05/03/2017 10:24

I'm still stalled, but I'm sure I'll get back to it when my energy returns a bit

Wildernesstips · 05/03/2017 12:38

Katymac don't be too despondent, you have done really well.

katymac · 05/03/2017 20:53

I know I'll get my mojo back, but I am just so tired

Vinorosso74 · 06/03/2017 16:32

Right back on it (just about recovered from a weekend away with friends).
Dropped a bag off for charity and have thrown out a bag full of bits of crap from our bedroom.

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