Decluttering and organising thread 8 – it’s nearly summer

[stealthninjamum]

These threads are accountability threads for mumsnetters who are decluttering and organising our homes.

We’re all at different stages of decluttering from the beginning to the maintenance phase and use different techniques. Join us for support and chat .

We discuss all things to do with decluttering, the things that stop us decluttering, how to get over them, where to dispose of our clutter, how we can encourage our families to join us, and pretty storage solutions which is the fun part.

I’m doing one last big push to get rid of loads of stuff before the long summer holidays when it’ll inevitably turn to chaos again.

Useful tips
Some of us have found the Toss app (on apple) a great place to start with decluttering.

Many of us love Dana K. White (A Slob Comes Clean) on youtube and podcasts.

Many of us at the start just take a timer for 5 or 10 minutes to just make it seem less daunting. I used to start by clearing surfaces.

If you want to make a big impact quickly then increasingly charities will pick up your furniture, books and clothes so you don't even need to leave the house. Or if you have hundreds of books / CDs it's really easy to use the Music Magpie, ziffit or We buy books apps to get them taken away and earn a (very) small amount of money at the same time.

The BBC TV Program Sort Your Life Out is particularly inspiring.

When I do housework I listen to podcasts from a Slob Comes Clean, Clutterbug, the Declutter Hub and The Art of Decluttering. If you think you have ADHD then Clutterbug talks about this a lot as she has ADHD, and Amy from The Art of Decluttering did an ADHD season about 8 or 9 months ago which gave some good tips. My dc have ADHD so it’s something I’m very interested in.

@IndianSummer78 thats a lot of really good advice 👏

Had Ofsted (I’m chair of governors) so that’s messed up plans for yesterday and today, so not got much done. One more day off tomorrow then back to work.

Jobs:

1. Hang up framed pictures
2. DS2 paperwork: blue badge started
3. my British passport application - after half term trip to Belgium
4. garden generally tidied for end of summer - started, mist put bbq away
5. loads of scout badges onto blanket - was actually 11! Have done 5 so far
6. DS1’s room: some scout badges to his blanket, wardrobe, chair
7. DS1’s gaming, PC, nerf collections to go through and tidy away
8. bring down the wardrobe; DH & I failed on this, too heavy, need another adult
9. IKEA wardrobe for DD to order; sort her clothes, her wardrobe to my room for DH

Not quite outs yet:
Running leggings to go to a friend - remember to take to next Parkrun
spare tap left from building works - on FB, bumped up
knackered suitcase to put on FB - posted
my long gone mother’s recliner - hopefully collected tomorrow GONE ☑️
old duvets bagged up & donated to dog charity - waiting for collecting lady
curtains poles - listed on FB free site

Out:
recliner chair
1494+1=1495

Hi guys I'm not sure if you remember me. I'll be back but just popping in to say a lady that admins a Facebook group posted this: donating toys before Christmas rather than after...it really puts things into perspective (see attached photo). I hope you're all well!

@IncessantNameChanger please contact your GP, blood tests etc for anemia will be needed with the heavy periods - mine have become insane some months and the doctor explaining I was anaemic explained why everything was on top of me more than normal. If you feel like everything is like plates swirling on poles in the air and you’re running from one to another desperately trying to keep them up all by yourself you need some help. And with your grief, I’m so sorry about your loss please be gentle on yourself.

My DD had to give up Uni, she has severe adhd but had so wanted to be able to cope with it. It was hard her being at home with us slowly realising how unable to cope with most adulting she actually is. However, she is now a HA tenant, just up the road from me, has a wee cleaning job where they understand her, She is doing okay and I hope your DS will be soon too.

Forgot to put - I’ve decluttered a couple of hours today, another couple of bin bags to go and a couple of big bags of child clothes/toys gifted. Somehow everywhere feels messier right now as I’ve not got the keep-but-sort-inti-proper-storage stuff put away. I can’t afford new storage right now…so will have to have a think.

we were away with family this weekend so not much done but I must admit I was the Olio PITA this time; left a a bundle out for someone yesterday (I was in work) but eldest moved it so she went away empty handed I was very embarrassed but dropped it to her today.
I had 2 no shows before the weekend so relisted them.
in loads of happy memories of a family wedding 💒

Incessant Please go and see your GP. I mean this kindly - you need help. You've waited too long and it is not your job to carry the weight of the world, although with kids it is hard, if not impossible.
Periods usually get really bad in perimenopause, before they start to dwindle. Ask your GP about a coil or other things that can help stem the flow. It's a very common issue.
I would really recommend that you bin things. Stop selling, just start getting rid of things. It might feel cathartic and it is one thing you have complete control over. Good luck - and keep posting for updates.

I have very little to update. I gave away a huge blanket on facebook. DH had it when I first met him and used it as a bedspread, and since then we have used it as a picnic blanket. It was really heavy to lug around, so I finally decided on a little lightweight one instead. So that's gone and given us a decent space in the cupboard.

I'm also on a mission to use up toiletries and beauty products. This year, we have finally used up 2 lovely solid hand soaps. I was a little addicted in buying them but we always used a liquid pump soap anyway so I had a drawer full of soap bars. First 2 got used up last week. They smell so much nicer than liquid ones.

Also out a very old jojoba oil and a perfume sample I used up. DC and I also used up a sticker set thing and a little craft thingy - I quietly binned them last night (the fun is in the making, right?)

Vinted sales have been quiet but yesterday sold a top that I had listed probably 6 months ago. I had gathered everything ready for the charity shop but luckily hadn't taken the bag yet! That felt like a nice bonus.

Planning on a charity shop trip this week though, some of my vinted listings are really old now.

year total = 1544

I need to read all updates but just checking in.
I'm not having any luck selling so might relist some things. Still organising the Lego into colours. I am wishing I hadn't started but I have an aim to get a Frozen set up for sale at least!
I've done really well this year using up toiletries and don't have a huge stash anymore.
I will not buy any socks this autumn!

It is worth persisting with the Lego I think. I feel so good having sorted all of ours (and I gave away all the complete sets to a Lego fiend so they have a good home).

Jobs:

1. Hang up framed pictures
2. DS2 paperwork: blue badge started
3. my British passport application - after half term trip to Belgium
4. garden generally tidied for end of summer - started, must put bbq away
5. loads of scout badges onto blanket - DONE ☑️
6. DS1’s room: some scout badges to his blanket DONE ☑️ wardrobe, chair
7. DS1’s gaming, PC, nerf collections to go through and tidy away
8. bring down the wardrobe; DH & I failed on this, too heavy, need another adult
9. IKEA wardrobe for DD to order; sort her clothes, her wardrobe to my room for DH

Not quite outs yet:
Running leggings to go to a friend - remember to take to next Parkrun
spare tap left from building works - on FB, bumped up
knackered suitcase to put on FB - posted
old duvets bagged up & donated to dog charity - waiting for collecting lady, need to chase
curtains poles - listed on FB free site

Out:
contacts Z, Y, W, V, U
1495+5=1500 🎉

@IncessantNameChanger I know what you mean. Why don't u give yourself 1-2 days rest doing the bare minimum.

I tried ebaying items and putting them on Vinted but I honestly don't have the patience. I grew up with hoarders and I can't function if there's too much stuff.

I've decided that after 3 kids I'm done. No more babies so got rid of baby stuff. My outs are

Baby bath
Baby changing mat
Nursing pillow
Some bedding
Mam bottles brand new x 2
Mam teats x 2
Baby coat 3-6 months

5 pairs of clothing tops and bottoms aged 12-18 months
1 pair of leggings 12-18 months
1 stretched out night dress of mine

I'm going to try to do a little each day.

One poorly made jumpsuit into donation bag. Total is 2826

Out this week so far: one pair of DD’s outgrown pyjamas following buying her two new pairs, and one dried-up glitter pen.

I kept the other outgrown pair of PJs as a memento, though I know that at some point I will need to go through my stash of memory box clothes and reduce it down.

I am still dithering about Vinted - I have one unworn pair of school shoes that I have drafted a listing for, and just need to post it on there. I also have some outgrown winter coats that I bought second-hand, but they are from Joules and are still in good condition. I’ve been thinking about selling them, but is the cash worth the hassle? It would be easier to donate them.

I took a bag of my clothes to the charity shop today on the school run. It was stuff that had been hanging on Vinted for ages. I could probably take more offline now but this filled a bag so I was happy.

2 dresses
Beanie
Cardigan
2 shirts
2 tops
2 shorts
Earrings
Cocktail ring

Total is 1556

Frustratingly no outs, and the Christmas ins have started 😐
Got a few bits to list but some need to go on fb as they're too heavy to post.

One scarf I don't really like for reason I can't explain
8 x bits of plastic tatt that came with a children's magazine
One face cream used up

Total is 2836

Decluttered a small amount of packaging to DD who does Vinted.

Binned a small empty fire extinguisher.

binned plastic container that had leaked toilet cleaner over the shelf.

Recycling - two pairs trainers and one pair of shoes, all kicked to bits and letting in rain.

Thank you to India and everyone for the advise on my uni boy. I told dh to deal with him. We are drawing up a contract for him if he returns.

If he does he has lost his room. His bedroom will be the dinning room so that will need a drastic cull. Not sure of the exact plan yet but right now ds is in my "fuck it bucket" to deal with later. Unfortunately that means days or weeks but not me, or today. I know he has mh issues but I'm so disappointed and ashamed how he has gone about this. I'd never tell him that of course. It's the way he did it. He is a good person at heart.

Living I'm a governor. We are going to join a mat and I have being doing for 6 years. I hoping I won't be needed in the mat. It's a special school and I feel very passionate about it.

My periods, I'm awaiting a date for a scan to check things out for fibriods etc then I can get a coil. But I'm going to ask gp for that t acid medication for next period. I'm spending most of my free time asleep now.

Decluttering- my primary urge is to give up and buy stuff to make me feel good. But I didn't. My hoarding course is going well. Everyone is in awe of my 2024 target. But if you have 20 million bits of tat, 2024 is pathetic.

The day after I had the phone argument with ds ( he was TELLING me has was coming back rent free, sure son, have my Queen size bed and money and let me sit your degree for you) I went to tackle my wardrobe. I took one look, thought I can't cope with this and walked off. The course psychologist said just do one item out. Now I'm thinking one or two items of clothes out a day means 90 will be gone by new year. Then I can close my wardrobes.

Dd is clearing her clothes for a new wardrobe. Im alarmed at what she is getting rid of but I will respect her choice. Half my vinted stuff is being donated tomorrow and the other half next weekend. I walked into a charity shop to hand over two things and bought a dress! Still getting the odd sales but it's all very random. I need to speed things up. I really want to hit my 2024 target before Christmas.

Outs are dd clothes, my clothes, millions of shoes and coats. Still got three carrier bags of shoes to get rid of! And another coat rail.

October
In = 3
Out = 51

Total for 2024
1711 out
159 in

@IncessantNameChanger sounds like you have the beginnings of a plan which is good. Dining room bedroom sounds less than ideal but maybe making sure he isn’t too comfortable is a good plan!
Im chair of governors at a special school too, where ds2 went for 8yrs so I’m passionate about it too but also tired. We have just recruited 2 new ones so I’m wondering how soon I can hand over the reins. We’re part of a MAT too and I’m a trustee on the board, also hoping one day to stand down from that too.

I have hung all my hangers the ‘wrong’ way round this morning, if anyone else feels like doing that. We can revisit in a few months and see what hasn’t been worn.
Pushed me to get rid of a couple of bits and have a bit of a tidy up too,

Jobs:

1. Hang up framed pictures
2. DS2 paperwork: blue badge started
3. my British passport application - after half term trip to Belgium
4. garden generally tidied for end of summer - started, must put bbq away
5. loads of scout badges onto blanket - found 1 more
6. DS1’s room: wardrobe, chair
7. DS1’s gaming, PC, nerf collections to go through and tidy away
8. bring down the wardrobe; DH & I failed on this, too heavy, need another adult
9. IKEA wardrobe for DD to order; sort her clothes, her wardrobe to my room for DH

Not quite outs yet:
Running leggings to go to a friend - remember to take to next Parkrun
spare tap left from building works - on FB, bumped up
knackered suitcase to put on FB - posted
old duvets bagged up & donated to dog charity - waiting for collecting lady, need to chase
curtains poles - listed on FB free site

Out:
3 bits to fabric recycling
couple of bits to charity box but not out yet
1500+3=1503

My dd is going through her room still. Weirdly culling ALL of her pjs ( she doesn't wear them but needs a few for emergencies). But seems to be keeping all the stuff I put in a pile that doesn't fit her. All my reversed hangers has also gone to pot.....

@IncessantNameChanger it sounds like you’ve got a plan. I’m sorry your ds spoke to you so badly. He must be really stressed to but you don’t deserve to be spoken to like that.

I have a small bag of stuff from dd1s bathroom to either be binned or to go to our beauty bank which takes unused beauty products. She had three used deodorants and various other empty bottles and gifts that I’ll be giving away.

Edited because I forgot to say I have started on the Lego again after a break of a couple of months. It’s worth so much money not least because we have all the boxes and instructions but I am thinking of just donating it all!

@stealthninjamum ours was prob worth a lot too, but I found a lover of Lego who wanted the lot. I was given some gin, tonics and lemons in return! Well worth it!

One leaflet
One children's magazine
One hand cream used up

Total is 2839

Inherited an outgrown pair of boys’ trainers that fit me perfectly for around the house. Saves me money and the pain of shopping.

Binned three dried out shoe polishes and a dried out pen.

Glad to hear you and DH have agreed a plan Incessant luckily our eldest had already been moved into the smaller bedroom here (with his agreement) before he dropped out.

Some cook books in but not all will stay. Five hardbacks for £20 via world of books so the rejects may go back to WOB if I find some others they want too or may go to charity shop.

Otherwise a few tatty bits into rag bag. The time is coming where we need to start listing some of the Lego if we want to see it go for this Christmas but 😱 at the thought

I'm going to take all of my ebay and Vinted things to charity this week. The local clothing bank didn't want the kids shoes so they will need to go to the local charity shop who only do kids clothes. If ds moves into the dinning room, that's,where I stash my Vinted stuff.

Getting ever closer to my 2024 Total. Not talked the eldest since I hung up on him last week.

8 out vinted 5 dd, my top
11th 2 hangers, four things mine to clothing bank, 13 dd room
13th out 6 dd, 1 me, 3 rags, my socks, two hangers

Oct total
In = 3
Out = 76

Total for 2024
1736 out
159 in