Decluttering one thing a day part 8 - the one where we de-tetris the cupboard of doom!

[WoogleCone]

Welcome! This is thread 8 of the declutter one thing a day challenge!

This is just holding the discussion open until @stealthninjamum gets her computer sorted and back in action :)

Everyone is welcome here, new and old. We implore you to join us on our mission to clear the cupboards, swipe the sides and declutter all debris!
We recycle, reuse, give away, donate or just plain chuck it out to help clear our spaces.

If you're new, start with a small mission - can you tackle one small area at a time? Be it a bedside table, a bathroom cabinet or The Kitchen Drawer?
Just one thing a day is all we ask and report back here with your outs for the day, or week at a time. It's very easy to get the bug when you start small and have success!

Will we find any more big bags of change? Can we sell more big ticket items? Will the school books all get returned? Will the happy meal toys ever stop multiplying and just how many books can we say goodbye to?!

Previous thread here: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/housekeeping/3525812-Part-7-of-the-decluttering-challenge-can-you-get-rid-of-one-item-a-day?msgid=87790915#87790915

MrsBobDylan - well done!

Lots of tidying up done today...only one out though of a broken toy but the place looks much better.

I attempted to take up the Kitchen Drawer of Doom challenge but on opening it realised most things in it are DH’s, although I did put some change in my purse and some pens back in the desk. At some point I will need to tackle my spatula collection. People keep buying them for me and I have about 10 of different sizes of which I use one! Sounds like you’ve done a great job Willow.

DH came to me earlier and said he thinks we should go through room by room and declutter. I wasn’t sure whether to jump for joy or get cross because he hasn’t noticed my efforts so far!

raspberry blonde as much as that last statement would really annoy me it shows that he's on board with decluttering and hasn't noticed the stuff you've already got rid of (which could be a good thing)!

I am about to do another emulsion coat in the cupboard under the stairs then I'm going to stick dc in front of the TV while I tidy up the diy stuff that are all over the house - sander, drill, screw drivers, pollyfilla etc.

Oh well done, Willow! That does sound good. And thanks for the kondo reminder. I'm struggling a bit with my school books (still) and think 'joy sparking or not' could be a good thing to remember.

I've been, very slowly, getting our main bedroom ready for decorating. Moving things out, packing up my clothes etc. So, lots of movement, but not much out today.

Outs include a jar of ood bolognese sauce, a leaflet I've been hoarding (it came with my engagement ring) and some clothes tags.

Raspberry - I'd find that really annoying too. However, it could well be that all your clearing to date has motivated him and if it means he's on board, well, that's got to be a good thing, I reckon.

Stealth - Well done on all your decorating efforts! It sounds great.

Well done, MrsBob!

Illuminati - How are you getting on?

Update: have been going through diy stuff and utility room again. What a mess, the house is worse than it was before. I must have 30 paintbrushes - probably from before ex and I lived together, we each had some, and I have bought more over the years because I couldn't find the existing ones. I have thrown about 4 away that are stuck together and I'll give some of the rubbish ones to dc's school for painting play scenery. I also have lots of screws and washers leftover from various bits of flatpack furniture. I'll put metal things in a box to go to the tip. I have also thrown away various unidentifiable things.

Sounds like most folk are still ticking over. Two more items sold on eBay and another two will sell tomorrow. Will list the toddler bed tomorrow to take advantage of the £1 selling fees.we have also been sorting through DIY bits and several of those for eBay too. Some kids books due to finish tomorrow if hey don’t sell then they are off to charity shop on Tuesday with some garden games that are already in a bag waiting.

Well DH has suggested that we should start with the living room so I’ll see how we go. I’ll take the interpretation that he’s been inspired by me! It’s a good suggestion as we do want to redecorate that room but I haven’t done much in there yet. It’s also not that bad.

Sorted out 3 cookery books for charity shop, there’s probably a few more that can go too. I have loads where there are 1 or 2 recipes I use so I should really scan those pages and ditch the book. I can’t quite bring myself to tear the page out Konmari style!

Stealth we are always doing the buying too many of things because we can’t find the ones we have. Narrowly avoided doing it again this week when the item in question turned up during the third search!

Yesterday: small bag of clothes to the clothes bank, including DH's suit jacket from our wedding (damp or something got to it ) and a much-loved dress that saw its last outing at Drayton Manor the other weekend: pulling it off later after a complete soaking on the water ride, the fabric tore!

Also chucked out a load of cassettes from dear late MILs house that we shouldn't really have picked up and have no use for. Today: box of mementoes, mostly cards, from our wedding 21 years ago - sorted through this with DH in 10 mins, now reduced to 1 small freezer bag!

Also this weekend: fished out half a dozen or so DVDs and a couple of books and listed them ready to sell online.

Forgot to add: in a fit of digital decluttering I deleted my Google accounts today. DH and DS have pointed out that this means my Android tablet won't work normally any more, but I'm not too fussed TBH. I don't have a smartphone and I don't really use apps...

Sandandsea - I've done it! Over two days and took me loads longer than I thought but IT IS DONE!!! It was a massive effort and I was dreading it. It was a big collection of half-unpacked stuff from our house move 5 months ago (facepalm!) Thank you for asking. I'm feeling rather heroic right now.

everythingisginandroses - all sounds very efficient, well done!

IlluminatiConfirmed very well done to you too Sounds like you have worked really hard!

illuminaticonfirmed well done on doing your bedroom. I have chucked a load of stuff in drawers when my boyfriend has stayed over and now need to go through the drawers.

Today's item gives me the biggest joy ever. I have found mother in laws slippers. She will not be invited back so I'll give them to ex to hand back.

Very well done, Illuminati!

Stealth - I love your post for how much life is included in it. Our clutter is so entwined in our relationships, isn't it?

Yes SandandSea our life and relationships are really connected to our stuff aren't they? I feel like I lost my decluttering mojo for a bit but it's coming back and I feel like I am throwing away my in laws too. It feels great!

For those who don't know I have a relatively big house and had a hoarder husband. Over the last two years I have got rid of over 1,000 bags of stuff and my husband dumped me - but now seems to be unsure about whether he wants to come back! My life is so much lighter and freer without the stuff and without the husband.

That's a lot of bags! It must feel great.

1000 bags Stealth! I am most definitely an amateur declutterer.

Today I have tidied my car and got rid of items including newborn size nappies (DS is 1 this month) and numerous dead leaves. I've also put a winter coat in the wash ready to donate in the next charity bag. While I was at it I threw out l the rubbish in the pockets of the other coats!

Nothing else planned for today except decluttering the ironing which is taking over the living room!

Good grief stealth 1000 bags I’m feeling like a rank amateur, because I haven’t been keeping count!🤣

Few more bits listed on eBay and a bag of books given to a friend for a fund raising stall. Toddler bed and some bedding listed on eBay, rest of the bedding in (another) charity bag

I was here many threads ago... lost my way abit just seen the link to this thread on another one (thanks sand) and the title called to me in a big way!! My cupboard of doom is the point i have reached now and it feels like a massive task!!
I have given away loads of stuff over the past few months which has helped alot around the house.
The cupboard is my only big storage area i know when its bad as i can no longer fit the hoover etc in there.... as all those household items are currently staring at me menacingly from across my bedroom i think its safe to say cupboards in a bad way

1000 bags is so amazing Stealth well done!!!!!!!!! Well done everyone not rtft but it seems every mones doing well no matter how big or small!
*disclaimer I’ve started hoarding cleaning products and dont know how to stop its as if buying them makes me feel productive 🙈xx

Place marking because you’re all very inspirational. My house has got hopelessly out of control but we have a house move coming up which will force a major sort out.

Today’s progress is a handful of paperwork shredded, a shrunk jumper into the charity bag, and a load of old Time Outs into the recycling. Not much but better than nothing. And an important but long put-off medical appointment made, which I’m most proud of.

Another old towel into rag bag. Kids table and chairs cleaned up ready for charity drop off on Thursday. Having a good week here