Decluttering thread 11

[TidyClutterIsStillClutter]

Whether you’re taking days or decades, whether you’re glacially slow or galloping along, please come here for inspiration, encouragement, and congratulations.

Good luck on the start of your journey @Sundrops. I wonder if it would be helpful to try to collect all the good tips together?

This thread put me on to Dana K White - I recommend her method as it’s basically the opposite of Kondo and much more manageable. The other big thing I learned from this thread is not to batch things up for the perfect time/solution. Fill a bag, take it to the charity shop!

I’ll take a photo after tea & post it

@Thereislightattheendofthetunnel

They are very pretty. I love the amber one. Thanks for sharing 🥰

@Thereislightattheendofthetunnel will have to decide what price to put on them when they’re cleaned

Teen put a pair of too-tight trainers in the donate pile.

I’m working my way through the children’s books by reading them for myself. Aimed around age 7-11 It’s surprisingly soothing.

My top tip is setting a timer and just cracking on with it everyday.

Also if you try to sell things put a mental end date but which you will donate them.

Hi all,

I just noted your thread whilst browsing housekeeping for non abrasive cleaning product recs and wanted to post.

My home had been a cluttered state for years, say 20 plus years. Id moved here from a rental plus a ton of old family stuff from my old family home, so much old stuff. Tables cluttered with art stuff as I had kids, plastic everywhere plus a loft stacked to the brim with endless books/dvds/toys. Id split with my abusive children's dad so was just about keeping afloat with the kids let alone getting the home in order.

Anyway these last 2 years ive taken more control. I got a cleaner who was more a housekeeping person, who literally just threw stuff. Although I chased behind her panicking, I started to see how my home could really look. It really helped that she would question me puzzingly saying 'Moochuck, do you really need that?' and I realised I really didnt.

Secondly I had to do some building work and they gave me a few days to clear two rooms otherwise the job couldnt be done. Myself and my small kids lugging down boxes or me just binning tons of stuff into the skip! I was forced to do it and move everything into one room AND sleep there with two small kids. I absolutely hated it.

So now im here just left with:

1 Box of books
1 Box of dressing up clothes/fancy dress
1 Box of lego
1 Box of baby clothes that I am attached to
2 boxes of crap

This compared with a house filled to the brim with rubbish...its not perfect at all but im proud that ive done so much.

My home looks so so much lovelier, and I can see the end in sight, plus my floor. The kids are much happier too.

What helped me was :

Be kinder to yourself, tackle a bit at a time and see the achievement
I bought loads of really useful boxes before to move things easily which turned into another dumping ground, but now I try and empty one box at a time
If you can afford it, get a housekeeping type cleaner or someone you trust, to help you be ruthless/see what your home can be

Get decent storage, i have about 8 of these for teddies, throws, baby stuff

www.amazon.co.uk/Periea-Folding-Collapsible-Stackable-Storage/dp/B0FHQ9XMM9

Local charity who would collect - hundreds of dvds, shoes, books and cds. I havent the time to sell or do car boot sales so I see it as a charity benefitting!
Only kept clothes that made me feel great.

Just bought this to store bedding

https://a.aliexpress.com/_EvWAIIG

New shredder:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amazon-Basics-Cross-Cut-Shredder-Business/dp/B01GG75SBG

Bigger shed : obviously depends on cost but previous one was tiny and stacked to the brim. Upgraded to a bigger one and just binned everything in the process. So much easier to be able to walk in and find stuff

I've realised I like perusing storage solutions on Amazon best buys then getting ideas/getting it cheaper

I dug out the miniatures last night. There are some Lilliput Lane, unboxed but in good condition, and some in boxes from The Village Green collection. I only paid a fiver for the whole lot ( maybe a dozen) as the seller was clearing her late DM’s house & just wanted rid. Will google them for value. Guess they might be a bit out of fashion.

A bowl I don't need any more. Total is 4121

That's a massive achievement moochuck

Thanks, I’m always interested in people’s thought processes and approaches. This sounds so productive.

morning off work so after the dog was walked & boy went off to school I went through the kitchen cupboards & binned all the out of date stuff, 1 bin bag full 🫣 then went through the bathroom bits, all half used up but no longer needed stuff has gone. Used up some of the cleaning stuff in there before I get more out the cupboard. Went through drawer in the bedroom so 3 bin bags in total out this morning. 1 dog walking bag just put on vinted for £1, if it doesn’t go this week it can go in the charity bag.

I’m just looking at a pouch of Dove bath crystals I dug out when I had to do an emergency clear of the cupboard next to the bathroom.
They were part of a set I was bought.
I don’t have many baths and much prefer to use bubble bath when I do.
I was about to throw them away when I read it said relaxing on them.
Will I use them?
Should I just bite the bullet and get rid?

welcome @Sundrops I’m sorry to hear about your cancer but it sounds like you’re making a good recovery. A slob comes clean Dana K white is marvellous at giving decluttering advice. I listen to her podcast and the clutter bug podcast while I tidy/ declutter. Personally I started with surfaces (and large toddler toys) and once I had a clear dining table, post table and kitchen counter just went deeper into drawers and cupboards, usually setting a target of a bag a day or 15 minutes on a timer.

im making such slow progress here mainly doing Lego. The other day I found the box for my Darth Vega Lego set so that’ll make it easier to sell (I hope the instructions turn up soon).

I’ve also been decluttering as I tidy. I have lost some weight recently so I am evaluating my wardrobe. I have recycled a couple of bits lately as I realise I don’t like them anymore or they don’t suit me. Today’s out was a black dress I bought in desperation for a funeral so has never really flattered me. I’ve also thrown out loads of old papers and receipts from my handbag and fliers. And I went through the dining room games drawer (I keep about a dozen small card sets and games to play after meals) and took three out to donate.

I would use them up for foot spas. It's so relaxing to sit watching TV on an evening while soaking your feet in a bowl of hot water.

W/E 09/11 (Week 45)
2025 – (1816 + 37 = 1853) = 172 to go

Digital
0
Stuff used up and not replaced
0

Recycled/binned
Socks x 6 pairs, pillow cases x 2, pillows x 2 = 10

Charity shop
Mirror, shirts x 2, jeans, trousers x 2, earphones x 2, recipe books x 2, deck shoes, hair tongs, hats x 2, luggage strap, shoe cushions, phone case, keyring, scarf clip, cake tin = 20

Vinted
= 7

Cardigan
Dress
Blouse x2

Total is 4125

God I was looking for some dressing up running stuff I’ve not used in this house, it wasn’t fun but I identified some for stuff that probably go and the shorts in question are too damaged need to go but will be replaced so neutral. couple of books in

Sold two of my nicer things on Vinted today woop! Woop!

gave away a lampshade and a t shirt and jumper that were too small for DD.

total outs 1145

Thank you @BunnyLover7 I am getting better, and that feels great! I am definitely going to attempt this in small bursts as and when I feel up to it, and know when I should stop-yesterday and today a good example, I havent actually started the fridge as the pantry cupboard has taken much longer than anticipated, but I've been so much more ruthless with what I have got rid of and having a charity shop bag and a box to put aside to sell I felt like I was actually decluttering with intention today. Out of the huge cupboard I've got a full carrier bag to throw out,and managed to recycle a huge amount of packaging, and a couple of bags full for the food bin.
@Realfastfoodie keeping the top tips all together sounds like a brilliant idea,is there any way of collating and keeping it together at the top of the thread for everyone to access?I'm not sure if this is possible? I'll look at Dana K White,not heard of her before
@stealthninjamum thank you, I've been so very lucky that it was caught early 🙏
So many fantastic tips from everyone and lots to read back through.

Pantry items out x 35

Charity bag
1 X water bottle
1 X candle holder

Day 1 total out 37

Looking forward to getting on with it again tomorrow

I was definitely buying clothes as if I was still much bigger last year - found a Temu sweatshirt with a robin on it which is absolutely huge! It was in a big pile on my bedroom stool so I’ll have a well overdue trying on session when I get home on Friday (staying at my folks’ house this week).

Skirt in charity bag this morning. It’s froofy and netted and makes me look like a potato.

red trousers also in bag as they’re far too tight.

got a hole in a pair of tights (leopard print my faves!) so they’ve been binned.

dd ruined a pair of tights at school. She’s also made a huge hole in the knee of her pe trousers and ds has somehow ripped the butt out of his.

1 pair of football boots has been donated to the football clubs swap shop.

Out - two more broken charging cables.

Getting rid of all these little bits and pieces is making things much more manageable. My office space is far more under control.

I'm on a roll right now. I have more Vinted sales to add as well but will add them when I post. I still don't think I can find 900 outs by the new year. But you never know!

2 dd dresses to Vinted
10th 30 odd medication to bin
2 dd hoodies to Vinted
26 clothes bank / rags dd and ds
----
Out = 173
In = 0
--
Total for year
In = 160
Out = 1138