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Original poster

The decluttering on thing a day thread - part 11

979 replies

StealthNinjaMum · 19/01/2020 15:12

We’re still here.

After 10 threads my house still isn't tidy!

So join me and a lovely group of mumsnetters who simply get rid of one thing a day and report back. Gradually we’re developing good habits, reorganising ourselves, often improving our mental health and having friendly chatter along the way.

So newbies are welcome, just check in with your news and join in the general chat about recycling, organisation and housework.

Previous thread here.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/housekeeping/3760076-Decluttering-one-thing-a-day-part-10-the-countdown-to-a-clutter-free-Christmas?pg=1

ALSO many of us have set a target to get rid of 2020 items this year and will report on that.

OP posts:
pollyannaperspective · 24/02/2020 18:11

34 items sorted and out.
Books to school
Voluntary role files and storage box, and the role too
Misc box and trampoline fixings - trampoline went 4 years ago!
586/2020

In addition, two bookcases now displaying books from storage.

Started on emptying the attic to be boarded in a few weeks. Should see some more outs once everything is down and sorted.
Finally, also swift out with the wasp that stung me whilst wrangling cases down from the loft. Sting cream swiftly applied and worked well.

vroc81 · 24/02/2020 19:29

Checking back in after a bit of a bitty few weeks.. sorting the play room today and put 10 books straight in pile for charity shop while moving a book case and now going to go back through and do a few more.. not sure I need any of my cookery books..

I’m away all weekend so no clearing to be done and fully anticipating house will look like bombsite on return..! Grin

IWillWearTheGreenWillow · 25/02/2020 08:57

Well, ebay finally came up trumps! We sold our excess china yesterday evening for £145 after selling fees and delivery costs! DH will deliver in the next few days. Very pleased with that indeed.

Outs this week have been tiny things - I finished a tub of body scrub (a gift that I won't be replacing), old shower gel bottles from the family bathroom (kids are apparently allergic to the bin!), that sort of thing. Will round to 5 things disposed of.

I am sitting in the living room eyeing up the CDs. I don't think we've played one in 4 years now, but I'm afraid the internet will go pop one day and I'll have no access to music. DH is talking about putting it all on the server, but I'm slightly nervous about that (I do love a good sleeve note) and that's a while away - he'll do it in a spare moment. At a conservative estimate, we have about 250 CDs and that would free up a lot of space. OTOH, I don't want a house with nothing in it, it needs to feel like a home; and getting rid of the CDs will lead to the same for DVDs, and then in might feel a bit bare... What's to do?

Keiki · 25/02/2020 10:35

A quick blitz this morning. One empty conditioner bottle out. I hoard these so that's an out.

Also out 4 pairs of DPs worn out pants - all replaced but previously he would have held onto the old ones too.

Finally, 5 pairs of lovely, comfy tights that fit, in and 17 pairs out Shock

MotherWol · 25/02/2020 12:12

Two of DD's gifts have gone on eBay (large outdoor toys, we're in a flat), if they sell I'll put the cash in her piggy bank. If she has a party next year I might put a note on the invite about presents not being necessary/only books or something.

@IWillWearTheGreenWillow I put DVDs in an album from Muji and recycled the boxes, which freed up a load of shelf space, and weirdly means I'm more likely to watch them as it's easier to flip through.

wondering7777 · 25/02/2020 12:23

Finally got round to listing an old handbag on eBay last weekend (taking advantage of their £1 selling fees!) and it’s already had a few bids. Ticking something off the list that I’ve been meaning to do for months feels great!

SandAndSea · 25/02/2020 12:45

Willow - We still have some DVDs on display, plus some others in wallets. Could you put the sleeves in the wallet too and just get rid of the plastic containers? I'm not there with this either and I also like a homely feel. We still have books on display though and I can't imagine that ever changing. We also have candles, cushions and blankets which all help to make it cosy.

Rainallnight · 25/02/2020 13:52

I got rid of all my CDs yonks ago and haven’t regretted it.

Rainallnight · 25/02/2020 13:52

We done, @wondering7777, I need to do similar and have been too lazy!

AlexTheLittleCat · 25/02/2020 14:34

Sold a couple of things on ebay and sorted through the kitchen cupboards. I wish I could keep track of the amount I'm getting rid of but have complete baby brain at the moment.

wondering7777 · 25/02/2020 16:45

We done, @wondering7777, I need to do similar and have been too lazy!

Thanks! It was a bit of a PITA but definitely feels worth it now I’ve had a few bids. Now I need to motivate myself to list a few more things...

SandAndSea · 25/02/2020 19:00

Not much for me today unless you count pancake ingredients. (So nice!)

I did try to go to the rag bin but it's been moved.

I'm building up to clearing some more paperwork.

pollyannaperspective · 25/02/2020 21:05

3 large, tatty suitcases and a bag of rubbish to the dump. A few other bits to the bin.
Away for the next few days so no decluttering for a while.
593/2020

Keiki · 25/02/2020 22:21

Whilst eating pancakes I found a mouldy marmalade and two bottles of so nearly finished continents in the fridge that have gone out. Two eBay items sold and a few more listed.

SandAndSea · 26/02/2020 01:24

I had a nice 'win' today. DP somehow broke both of the laces on his walking boots and I was able to hand him a perfect, new pair within seconds! This was all down to decluttering and keeping like things together - it really is a game-changer.

Rainallnight · 26/02/2020 08:07

That’s great @SandAndSea! Must have felt good. I’m not nearly at that point yet.

I’ve temporarily lost my childcare and my mum is very ill so that’s put a bit of a stop to my gallop. I really am so chuffed with the three areas I’ve done so far, though - kids’ room, spare room and garden - so looking forward to doing the rest.

Rainallnight · 26/02/2020 08:09

Speaking of which, are people doing it by area or by type of stuff (Eg all clothes/all paperwork)?

SandAndSea · 26/02/2020 09:25

@Rainallnight - Having pottered about for years, I started my more thorough decluttering by item group. I hadn't read Kondo, but started with clothes as that seemed like it would be easiest and it worked for me. After that, I just used to pick a group that seemed in need, often related to an area that was a mess, like a box of filing. Whichever method you use, I would bear in mind that long-term, it really makes a difference to keep the same things together. It means you can find things quickly when you need them, it stops you buying duplicates and helps you to see what you can get rid of as the worn out (or whatever) versions stand out against their counterparts.

Bunkerlife · 26/02/2020 12:44

@Rainallnight I'm trying to do things room by room, I live in a big house and some of the dc's have flown the nest but left all their crap behind.
I've found that breaking it down into bite sized chunks has helped so even one drawer in one cupboard is progress.

I've been halted by being ill this last week, I'm so over daytime TV I can't wait to be back to full strength and back on with improving my environment.

PurpleFrog · 26/02/2020 15:44

Just to let you know that I did actually survive the living room/dining room carpet installation. I knew it was going to be a major undertaking but I had underestimated just how much stuff had to be moved. Blush It was just as well that the fitters phoned on the day to say they would be there between 11.30am and 2.00pm - if they had been any earlier I would have still been moving stuff! Of course, the final day's stuff just got thrown randomly into boxes and bags, but most of the other things were packed up carefully so I know where to find things. We put the furniture back over that weekend, and I have enjoying living for the past 10 days or so with clear surfaces and minimal clutter. Basically I just slumped after the whole thing was over, and am taking it very slowly moving things back into our storage units. In some ways it is quite nice to start with a clean slate and decide where the most sensible place is to put everything.

I am hoping Grin to only move around half the stuff back into these rooms and get rid of, or find more appropriate homes for, the rest.

Vinorosso74 · 26/02/2020 16:27

PurpleFrog sounds like a job well done and a good opportunity to declutter. We decorated DD's room over the Christmas holidays and used it as a good opportunity to sort things out. We still have a few things we need to decide whether they stay or go.
Dropped two bags of toys at a toy charity shop today. I noticed DP has voluntarily binned a pair of threadbare socks.
Our hall cupboard needs sorting again. I did it thoroughly about 2 years ago and it's in chaos. I binned an old paint tester pot. I've been concentrating on the visible areas.

SandAndSea · 26/02/2020 16:58

Today has been about decluttering some stained paintwork, a toilet seat, lots of flies and dust. I've also re-potted 2 big house plants. I haven't quite finished and there's soil everywhere.

DesertIslandPenguin · 26/02/2020 18:24

Did a deep delve under our bed. So many dust bunnies! Lots of books, empty water bottles, empty strips of medicine that have failed to make it into the bin and an astonishing number of hair bands. No real things to get rid of there but I've recycled all the plastic and cardboard.

However! I have a bunch of brand new, barely used paint test pots. I'm going to ask on Facebook to see if anyone wants them. If not, how do I dispose of paint safely??

MotherWol · 26/02/2020 21:53

I still feel like I’m drowning in housework- it’s been a busy couple of weeks and I’m just so behind. However, trying not to get downhearted!

Two of my eBay items sold already, so they’ve gone to the post office. Sorted and cleared a food cupboard, tossed a few things that were out of date. Recycled one of DD’s completed colouring books, and three out a broken plate that had been lingering on the kitchen counter with the intention of putting it in plant pots for drainage.

Clettercletterthatsbetter · 26/02/2020 22:54

@Rainallnight I started with big categories like clothes, books, cds, etc. But now I’ve done all the main categories I’m starting to go through each room systematically, starting at one corner and slowly working round to make sure I don’t miss any random bits and bobs that don’t fall into a proper category.

I’ve had a productive couple of days and have added the following to my list of outs, bringing my total so far to 418/2020:

  • 2 nursing bras
  • 15 DVDs/Blu-rays
  • Kids game
  • 21 kids books
  • Book returned to owner
  • Dress
  • Craft supplies x3
  • Pregnancy bump band
  • Nightie
  • FB/ebay sales x6
  • 2 pairs kids shoes
  • 5x cake decorating bits
  • 17 items kids clothes sold to preloved website
  • 7 wooden hangers
  • Magazine