Decluttering Club thread 2 2022 - trying to reduce stuff a little at a time.

[londonmummy1966]

New thread for those wanting to declutter

Old thread here

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/housekeeping/4441273-decluttering-club-thread-20-22?pg=1

@OddSocksandRainbowDocs ,I always thought I didn’t have many shoes, I’m a wide size 8 and options were limited , but just counted 12 pairs in the horrid plastic box and there are many more downstairs. Guessing your space does not allow for such excess.
Culled 1 pair, 2 bags, 4 dresses, 4 skirts, 4 pairs of trousers and a really nasty top, all the painting clothes and 2 swimsuits. I could have been more ruthless, but my intention is to dress from the left side of the wardrobe every day, skipping something only if it is totally inappropriate, and then keeping it only if it has felt good. I have had a spinal problem this year and gained weight, I have kept some clothes that don’t currently fit, but I may reserve a section after my winter coats for those, if they stop the plan working.

@Zebracat I'm a size 7 but LOVE Dr Martens. They take so much space though!

I have:
6 pairs of DM boots (4 of which are 'posh' so upstairs)
2 pairs of DM shoes (1 pair in the 'posh' box)
2 pairs of DM sandals
1 pair of other sandals. They've shredded my feet though so may get rid!
1 pair of trainers.
1 pair of canvas shoes.

Plus, my husband's shoes and our daughters. It's never ending!

We have coats and jackets on an overdoor hanger on the living room door. Bags are dumped in the hallway but we do need an alternative space for them.

I've put on so much weight since having my daughter last year. I have my favourite 'do not fit' clothes in a box under the bed to motivate me. The others are in a vacuum bag in the loft. I'll get them out with the winter clothes when the time arrives.

Do you have any tips for culling PJs? I'm very sentimental about one pair. They're full of holes on the legs, threadbare in places and are so scruffy. Yet, they are so comfortable and are what I go to when I have had a bad day. On top of that, I have 10 PJ bottoms and various tops!

Sorted through my hospital letters (the copy of what has been sent to GP) and have put the envelopes in the recycling. Filled a carrier bag for textile recycling.

That’s a lot of DMs. Blimey.
Pjs are a massive problem for me. We changed bedside tables but the old clunky one had space for all night wear. I can fit a pen and some foot cream in this new one. And I’ve just bought new pjs, but the old ones are so comfy. Mine have no home at all, I am hoping, as space is made, that a solution will emerge.

Building site has been chaos over last couple of weeks so haven’t even tired to do anything re tidying or decluttering. Only did today as finally realised I’d be at school the same time as another mum I’d promised some uniform to.
hadn’t got round to taking name tapes off everything so only 3 (but big) items out.

256+3=259

will be able to start working on stuff soon I hope as builders are nearly nearly nearly finished!

I was too sick to go and DH didn’t make it back on time from work so we missed DD parents info evening but the info will be online for us to see later . Managed to get DS to pickup DD as well . I’ve finally emptied my suitcases and they’re being put away . Soon starting packing for our trip to see my parents though . I did cleaning jobs I hadn’t managed to the other days , laundry as always (on top of the usual loads I am trying to wash through random bits in the basket in utility of stained stuff etc that is never done ) and some online shopping and admin . I tidied a bit in the topfloor , put stuff away that I had sent up but others hadn’t put to where it needs to go ,and cleaned in the top floor guest bathroom we dry laundry in so it gets dusty . Told DH to clean there more often . Was nice to see how organised the attic is now .I’ve done a lot of good work there although it’s not nearly done yet . DD came back with good news she’d got a chocolate prize for her shooting today ( best score ) and also the Merit award she got the other terms too .
We have so many jobs again and endless admin that I’ve forced myself to do them although feeling pretty ill . Tomorrow DH will have some time off due to DD sports day I’ll miss probably as well and I won’t have the school run either so that’s less work . We’ve also organised for DH and her to go to MIL next week for a couple of days since she finishes school earlier than DS . Then finally getting rid of the extra bike in our garage and a big board . For now I’ll have to settle for just putting things aside when I notice them I have no time / energy for more decluttering sessions . I noticed the charity shop boxes are filling up so maybe they could soon go again.

Out :
-2 pairs of my pants to rags
-2 Lego cardboard boxes I swear I’ve already tried to declutter but now found from the attic again plus other boxes from deliveries to recycling
-DS gaming steering wheel ,he’s got a new one so this can go I think ,not sure if he’s selling / giving it to Olio or what
-some clothing being returned

@EllieQ I have asked if could have electric shock therapy for my hoarding once, half seriously, they replied its frowned on nowadays but I could tell the CBT therapist was tempted 😂its the grief aspect for me. Greif that my older boys younger years was consumed with bloody horrible SEN tribunals and greif of what ds10 will never do. Greif of the childhood experience I lost. 4 kids. Only one blissful toddlerdom. Its painful to part with that future / past. It's an object to pin my loss on. Meladramic maybe but I'm a very proactive SEN parent and that positive side has its cost. I'm trying hard just keep what i love. Sell what i know I'd like to buy then the rest is easier. If I'm in the right headspace.

@seperatedmum just minimalistic son is a master of mess. He creates chaos where ever he goes. Desk full of bowls plates and glasses. Floor mixed with washing and college work but you could fit all his possessions into 4 at most packing boxes. He says he is a tidy person, i say delusional 😂

@OddSocksandRainbowDocs welcome, can you come to my house next?

Nothing out today as took the boys into London to see someone about retained reflexes. the moment I told the lady that ds is very complaint he went into a mass demonstration of why he has SEN. Shouting he was bored, taking his clothes off and laying on top of me asking me to slap him round the face which he grabs my hand and tryst to himself with it. He went to the loo alone and I did ask my older boy if we should run off and leave him 😂 again half joking but I could have decluttered him for half a day. My boys I adore but theres a theme here clearly. All very different and have there trying days.

Couple more tops in the bag. This will go tomorrow. Because I forgot today.

Some of mine and dd clothes out. I could have sold some but sod it. Things are going for £2 on Vinted and I'm not sure its worth the hassle 145 + 29 = 174

Dropped off a bag of clothes at the textile bank on the way to work, as I remembered that there's one at the station as well as one in town. Also in the general trend of the thread I binned yesterday's ancient faded knickers

been back and forth with a seller on marketplace nearly all of June, turns out she's already sold the item, bike I wanted for my training not updated and made excuses- reported. made me think I can sell eldest's uniform so I've checked the uniform group is still active so I can get on with that. made arrangements to return some camping things we've enjoyed to my clubmate. this cold virus is awful 🤧

Still feeling sick here so not functioning at my usual crippled level even . Although we still have over two w to our trip im feeling like I’ll just end up being in a hurry with the packing etc as usual so I was going to start already . After I fold the laundry baskets (6 again ) I’ll ask DH to get me at least some of the bags . DD sports day went well she didn’t win anything but her house did so she was happy about that . Info if the usual cleaning and laundry we’ve managed to do some more admin and me shopping for random items needed . I’m getting ready for next term as well . I like to do everything early if I can do when I’m unwell lots has already been taken care off. We also booked our oct trip away and I’m quite exited although it’s a long haul one with connecting flights so a trek but we’ll definitely get into a completely different environment in fact a seaside rainforest and DH and kids can go surfing etc . I’m looking forward to our own villa pool and no chores or cooking for a week ! Now have several related admin tasks but we’re getting through them . Still need to do one for the trip to see my parents next as well . Ds went to see a university today and tomorrow is another . He got a pleasant surprise and had placed highly on a university chemistry challenge so we’re editing to here which level his award will be . He’s on a roll now I’m so proud of him . I also saw a video gif the first time of him playing with his school band and they were really good to my amateur ears . Can’t believe he only taught himself to play guitar a few years ago but he does also play piano and his dad played 6 instruments growing up and still 3 now .
Still just getting rid of things when I notice them so out :
-2 more old pairs of pants
-1 pair of DH very ripped jeans both to rag bank
-another book of mine is going to charity shop
-dd summer term school calendar to recycling

My DDs house also won and somehow she’s house captain so got to stand on the mini podium and hold the trophy - despite being shite at sports 😂

4 items of uniform passed on
4 items of knackered uniform for textile recycling
3 old tile samples into the skip

259+11=270

some costa cups/lids out coz we reuse them but we've got enough
more school trousers added to the sell bundle I've had interest which then went quiet
the bossy uniform lady is collecting again now so I can get rid of the bag in my car
some library books out some in so neutral there

@LivingInaBuildingSite congrats to your daughter ! I was just happy that my DD could take part after her finger was in a splint and she was off games all term ( and then hurt another finger in the same damn hand; the right hand of course as well ) and that she looked happy with her friends in the pictures my DH took of her . Our dog also looked so “ smiley “ in the Wimbledon themed pictures his doggy daycare sent to me today . He’s always happy looking in all the weekly pictures I get from there . He loves everyone and everything ,he’s the sweetest natured little doggy ever 😁!
I have had a break from housework and dog caring and school run so far today except a bit of daily cleaning and tidying which I’ll continue later since DH was working from home . Doing some admin and shopping though . I’m set on finishing my book I’ll put to charity box after . I am starting packing for our next trip to see my parents and folded the clean clothes last night ,today just some towels and sheets left to do now .
Going out :—
-11 pairs of DS and DD old school socks
-2 DH old T-shirts
-DS old PE shirt all to ragbank from clean laundry
-5 DD small summer school skirts for donating to second hand uniform sales
-dd pencil case and grubby stationary to bin
-DD old reading record to recycling/bin
-pile of her school papers to recycling (I’ll look through any school work books she’s been given a bit later and only keep some if any rest recycling / bin)
-DD old school shoes
-DD school trainers ( I’ll keep one pair for any future muddy / wet activity she’ll need old ones for )
-2 DD old school water bottles to recycling
-1 book DH finished to charity shop

mucked out ds’ toy box yesterday. Handful of broken things binned.

also this week have used a hair dye I bought - so cleared that out of bathroom cabinet.

I took a bag to the charity shop yesterday. Some clothes and DVD's gone. Also got rid of some bits in the garage.

I need to get a textiles recycling bag sorted too.

Sunday morning catch up. I took another bag of previously sorted clothes to the charity bank at the start of the week, and took a bottle of red wine to school for the summer fair raffle (I’d won it in a raffle a couple of months ago, but don’t like red wine).

No other decluttering as we’ve all been slightly under the weather this week - I’ve had a bit of a cold, and while I’ve been well enough to work, it’s left me feeling very tired, DH seems to be coming down with the same thing, and DD is still not 100% after having a virus a couple of weeks ago.

Having a big clean of our temp kitchen as I’m fed up of the dust everywhere.

so far out:
2 x lidless plastic bowls
2 x old balloons

270+4=274

sure there will be more soon, just sat down to watch the start of the Grand Prix and there’s been a huge crash. 😞

One ruined bra thatsxwire is now lost in the washing machine 174 + 1 =175

Also had a thin out of ds10 clothes. How many Tshirts do you your kids have? I'm thinking 10-14? Where as he probably has around 20

DP is away for work this week, he had to leave this afternoon so I made a start on some decluttering in the kitchen. We have one area which has become a dumping ground so tidied that and ditched various things. I need to finish cleaning the kitchen tomorrow but am determined it will stay clean and tidy!
I have ambitions to do a lot more while he's away this week.

Got rid of a bag of paperwork today in the bin. Another bag load to go to work with me tomorrow to throw in the shredding bin. Binned some minging plastic picnic cups. two books dd ripped up. Binned some junk from the junk drawer.

Managed to clean everything and put it back into the temp kitchen storage area, hopefully I won’t have to do it again as they should be doing the pantry soon.

4 more takeaway boxes out. Plus DD sorted out some clothes (7)to go.

274 + 11=285

Couple more tops weeded out of the wardrobe for the charity bag. Am taking some of it today.

also giving back a couple of plates to dm. She sometimes brings us cake or food. And then her plates get lost in my kitchen.