The decluttering on thing a day thread - part 11

[StealthNinjaMum]

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.

PS I really, really, really hate the fact I did a bloody typo in the thread title. So I would love it if everyone could do several hundred posts so I can start thread number 12!

Stealth you just decluttered the 'e' from the title. A replacement can be brought in for thread 12.

stealth I wouldn't worry about the typo, it's the content of the thread that matters!

It was my last day at work today, start a new job on Monday. I spent some of the day going through my stuff and clearing it out. A lot got thrown out, including a medal and trophy from a "steps challenge" we had at work.. back in 2015! They've been tucked away in a cupboard pretty much since then so didn't see the point in keeping them. Lots of papers went in the shred too. It felt good to get rid.

At home yesterday I threw away a pair of socks that kept falling down throughout the day, drove me crazy.

Not much for me today (yesterday), though I did take something unwanted back to a shop and exchanged it for several, needed consumables, which I'm definitely counting.

Since I can't sleep, again, I'm up and have done a load more jobs, including cleaning and tidying the kitchen; DW & WM on, cat litter cleaned out, etc. I've also just typed up some recipes which were previously in my handbag and hanging around the kitchen on scrappy bits of paper.

Outs: about 6 pieces of paper.

This week:

A recipe book with lots of loose bits - some pages thrown out, some glued and stapled in, so it doesn't look a mess anymore.

Some old thank you and birthday cards organised and some thrown out.

Another lot of old work paperwork shredded and discarded, too. My room is looking less like a dump and more like a room now. Once my sewing project is done, another lot of old rags will be gone, too.

Having returned from my holiday with a determination to declutter my home and having made a start, this morning it feeling totally overwhelmed by the task ahead.
The house is big and every room except the lounge has stuff in it that needs sorting and getting rid of, it could be a full time job for months for more than one person. How do I make progress and have a life?

My efforts to make a start 15/2020 seem pathetic and insignificant in the grand scheme of things but I really want to make in roads this year.

Yesterday as well as decluttering a kitchen cupboard I went shopping and bought two tops, slippers to replace the ones I'd thrown out, a set of saucepans for our caravan (needed) some reusable straws (why, I don't use straws) for the grandchildren I guess and four pairs of socks which won't fit in my sock draw because it's stuffed full of mismatched black socks already.

Help!!

Bunker, don't panic! I think we've all had the sudden sense of vertigo after the first flush of enthusiasm. I'd note you're very aware of what you've brought in (that's good), that replacement items have seen the old ones thrown out (that's excellent) and you're querying why you bought one thing at all (even better!).

The reason this is one thing a day (ish) (or 6, to make it 2020) is that it's a whole mindset change and that takes time. It's not like Kim and Aggie where it's done in a weekend by a team of hundreds, with hardly any input from the householder, except to scrub a window frame with a toothbrush.

I find it's good to take a deep breath and do one small thing; wiping the cutlery drawer out, or sorting tea towels is often a good one for me. Then you've made a start and achieved something concrete.

Good luck!

Nobody messaged about little pickle’s bed frame so I’ve dismantled it and put it immediately in my car so that I have to take it to the tip quickly. Previously it would have been propped against a wall somewhere inconvenient for far too long. It’s a shame I have to tip it (I hate the waste/environmental impact) but I bought it second hand so I reckon it had had a decent amount of use at least.

@IWillWearTheGreenWillow Thanks, I gave my head a wobble and have managed to sort my sock drawer out before putting the new socks away, I've managed to bin all the mismatched socks which is huge for me, normally I would keep them knowing the other one is in the house somewhere.

I think a lot of my anxiety around stuff stems from being neglected as a child and "possessions" became my security and comfort.

I've also felt overwhelmed at times. Starting small is sensible-I'm sticking to the one item a day and anything else is a bonus. Don't try and tackle a whole room in one go. Start with a drawer or a small pile of papers.
I've stopped buying stuff I don't need and am using stuff up which is there eg. a silly amount of shampoos and conditioners. I also had a glut of socks which I sorted through and a few odd ones went. I haven't bought any for a couple of years except some of those ones you can't see for under trainers in the summer. The amount is reducing as some wear out.

I spent five minutes in the study - dumping ground which will be sorted by the end of 2020! I got rid of some packaging and put away some new clothes received at Christmas. I'm taking a little and often approach with this room. Five minutes per day or five items whichever I have time/energy for. This method has worked for me in the past with a spare room. Have a lovely weekend ladies.

I'm not a hoarder, I'm not a hoarder, I'm not a hoarder but oh wait a minute without opening a single cupboard or drawer (except my sock drawer) I have got rid of the following:

2 yucky bath sponges, a box and some cardboard packaging from the bathroom.
4 makeup bags, 1 bed throw, 4 wash bags, some baby clothes and bedding, a tin of way out of date quality street and a pile of packaging from the spare room.
9 pairs of socks plus various odd socks, 2 eye masks and a pair of walking socks from my bedroom.
6 pasta bowls given to my step daughter along with a pile of reusable make up remover pads I made.
Finally today from my hobby room, a huge bag of rubbish, a notebook (reminds self not to buy any stationary) some old dusters, blunt scissors, birthday tags, a game, mirror, small suitcase, a packet of seeds.

Am I a hoarder? My house isn't full of boxes of stuff but I clearly have more stuff than I need/want or will ever use. I don't want to live like this anymore.

That's me done for today.

52/2020

Good work Bunkerlife! A couple of outs today-a finished candle and an old huge colouring thing of DD's which was mostly used and she won't use now.

Thank you all for the advice regarding the uncooperative husband. I understand I should either be prepared for a long hard slog.. or swap him for a tidy boyfriend .

While I consider these interesting alternatives, I have got started with the decluttering and filled three bags for the local charity shop.

That's my 37 items for 2020.

My first 37...I definitely hope to bin more stuff!

@StealthNinjaMum thanks, yes I hope it will be worth it in the long run!

I have several bags for charity, a load for textile recycling (I think that's a thing?) and a tonne of books for charity too. I'm a bit sad about the books but realistically won't read them again, so hope someone else will enjoy them. I mostly read on my kindle now anyway as have baby in my room still!

Oh also made my first foray into eBay selling, getting rid of a load of maternity clothes. Hope it's going to be worth the hassle!

Considering buying a wrapping paper storage bag.. is this a step too far? Just have loads of kids parties coming up!

Rose - Wrapping paper storage has come up on here a few times so I know you wouldn't be alone in getting the special storage bag. It is another thing in itself though (another possession to store, clean and maintain) and there are alternatives. Eg. You could re-purpose an old container such as a bin, a tall, strong vase, an umbrella stand, or even a wall-mounted wine rack. You could also use one of those carrier bag storage things which fix to the inside of doors. Or, you could look to reducing your stash to 1 roll of plain paper which suits all types of celebrations.

Rose - I've just looked them up and some of them look quite glorious. I can certainly see the temptation. (I'm being strong though.)

I have just come across this thread, as I am steadily decluttering our lives and was looking for some inspiration.
Regarding rolls of wrapping paper storage, we use the handled bag you get for flowers at the supermarket (think they are still free of charge) and hang from a hook in the coat cupboard. Hope that helps Rose.

Welcome pollyannaperspective. Damn me, that's a good plan with flower bags for holding wrapping paper! Sadly, we don't have an understairs cupboard, it's totally open, so I use an IKEA plastic bag storage thingy. I have several about the house - one for wrapping paper on the landing (3 floor house, on the middle floor is best), several in the study to hold maps and big print outs (am an historian - these things are unavoidable!) and one at the back door to hold swords, lightsabers, Thor's hammer and other weapons necessary for dashing out into the garden to vanquish enemies.

No outs today, but total rejigging of finances with DH, to avoid unnecessary surprises before the end of the school year.

Three bottles of unopened infacol given to friend for their baby.

Threw away an old lanyard.

I used to use flower bags for wrapping paper but will actually recommend the wrapping paper box by really useful boxes - I’ve got christmas and birthday organised in there which stops me hunting and buying in a panic and actually this Christmas used up rolls I’d bought in the sale last year because I’d not lost them, bought one frozen one in the sale and then resisted all other sale purchases because my box was full...

Anyway had a great afternoon clearing out five bags to the charity shop yesterday afternoon .... sadly I was in my mums cupboards not my own..! But have got back with a few items I wanted from her space and have put things to go to the charity shop tomorrow so there’s no net gain in the house... I’m definitely starting to think more about that - thanks to you all!!

I have two really old bags from M&S specifically for rolls of wrapping paper. Handles are broken but the bags are ok. Only one is in use but I am keeping the other!

Another vote for the really useful box for wrapping paper. Holds a good amount, lid clips on to keep dust out, able to see what’s in there. Best of all if you can find one with very minor damage you might persuade Hobbycraft to sell it to you for £1 !! The best bargain of 2019 for me.

More outs here;

5 books to charity; historical novels which are usually totally my thing but for some reason these just didn’t click. Three were a trilogy about Eleanor of Aquitaine which looked promising but ended up being too “Prithee good sir” style of language, which annoys me.

20 (and more to come) party dresses, cardigans and shirts which the DC have worn once or twice and grown out of. Been uming and ahing about selling them but I’ve decided I’d rather have the space quickly and easily and let the charity have the money.

50 (approximately) bits and pieces of toycrap which resulted from a clear out of the seven Kallax boxes in the living room. DP suggested it, to my amazement as he’s not a declutterer at all (maybe it’s finally rubbing off on him!). We managed to free up a whole box, which now holds various tubs and accessories for play doh which were in various places around the house, and moved some toys into the girls bedroom. Everything feels much clearer and less cluttered, really pleased with it

362/2020