What did you declutter today? Part II

[disneysteve]

I have NO intention of befriending anyone. I am a bit hesitant because of some of the privacy & security issues that have happened in the past year.

OT, but regarding facebook, as far as I'm concerned, the security settings and privacy settings are a non-issue if you don't post anything that you don't want people to know. I'm amazed at the things I see people post like, "I had to get a new cell phone. My new number is xxx-xxx-xxxx." How stupid is that? Or people who post complaints about their job/boss and then got all upset when they get fired. Duh!

[My English Castle]

In two minutes

When I got home from class last night, I took two minutes to look over the stack of software on my computer desk. I had CD-ROMs from textbooks I hadn't used in years and which are out of print, other CD-ROMs for a scanner we dumped years ago and a SCSI connection from an old PC.
In the process (this is beginning to be a trend) I found the CDs that accompany my current textbook.

[creditcardfree]

I tossed four sets of Christmas lights that were no longer working! I found a wallet to return to the store, too.

[marvholly]

While digging through a drawer looking for an MIA item today I found an unused diamond file. The one I keep in my Kitchen pen holder is shot so I tossed it and replaced w/the found one.

[minnie1928]

OT, but regarding facebook, as far as I'm concerned, the security settings and privacy settings are a non-issue if you don't post anything that you don't want people to know. I'm amazed at the things I see people post like, "I had to get a new cell phone. My new number is xxx-xxx-xxxx." How stupid is that? Or people who post complaints about their job/boss and then got all upset when they get fired. Duh!

Totally agree!

[disneysteve]

While taking my laptop out of its carrying case this morning, I took a moment and removed all of the assorted papers that have accumulated in the bag and put them all into recycling.

[sm808]

I was reading this thread a few days ago and it has really inspired me to get rid of alot of stuff! I am throwing away junk, getting some clothes ready to donate, and selling tons of stuff that I thought no one would pay for on half.com! Thanks everyone!

[snafu]

This is a terrific opportunity to separate Active from InActive files, remove all those old papers that cram your file cabinet or paper system, make room for 2011 incoming papers and important 2010 tax information. Your investment summaries for 2010 make it safe to shred monthly statements unless there was unusual transaction[s]. I suggest you keep house transactions since there is so much confusion about ownership just now.

The less elaborate and more simple your paper handling system, the more user friendly it will be. Tax data must be kept a minimum of three years. Based on your experience...unless you've some unusual circumstance or self employed, it's ok to shred old tax files to 2006. This is a great time to drop into your recycle system, all those paid bills except warranty, supplier/vendor issues, tax deductions or personal experience suggest it's in your interest to retain. You need to shred only the section with name & account number identifiers although if you've had problems or personally know someone who had their identity compromised by a stranger, you may prefer to shred everything.

If you've not had a paper flow system you might start with a few file folders named:
'Paid' for all those bills that eat your income,
'Auto' expenses & info related to transportation,
'Clippings' all those magazine/newspaper/on-line articles we seem to accumulate,
'Condo' [our Board sends important info]
'Crafts/Hobby'
'Finance' financial* information,
'Household/How To: Maintenance repair/replacement records
"Insurance" policy details for life, health, auto [if you prefer], disability, home, rental etc.
'Medical' list of medical interventions/diagnosis/surgery for each family member; list of prescriptions including DIN, refill number & purpose
'Pension' Employer & gov't keep changing their carrier and rulz; I note annual contribution from annual statement
'School' DSs school records
'Travel' employment reimbursement records, destination research, wishful thinking info

Add whatever file names that meet your needs but try not to have less than 6 papers in a file. if you hate to file, it helps to have a sturdy box under your desk to corral paperwork that should be filed. At least you know where to look for needed papers. Remember to reward yourself when you clear the box!

I realize each medical system is different but in my experience it's important to have a record of prescription details, surgical dates

*In my experience it's easier to keep investment statements in a 3 ring binder since the statements arrive punched & ready for a binder.

[My English Castle]

I agree about the 3-ring binder, but I wish American Century would punch their statements.
My files need to be dealt with next.
I spent 30 second going through my wallet this morning. I have a dumb habit of picking up business cards, even for people I know I'll never call. I threw a bunch of them out, cut up old insurance cards and threw away some receipts.
I'm happy to report that I've cleared so much from my home office that I can move the dog crate in there rather than have it take up so much space in the kitchen. The dog's a little nervous about it, but she'll get over it!

[snafu]

ME Castle: e-mail Mgr. Customer Service American Century and explain that many Investment firms send their statements punched, binder ready! The market is waffling but they could at least improve their customer service.

[My English Castle]

I actually tried that--and they spent 5 minutes trying to talk me into only electronic statements.
Bah.

[marvholly]

Wed I hit up the dining room table again. I knew I had 2 years of bank and investment statements to put in order and file. Turns out there were 3 years worth. After 1¾ hours it was all in alphabetical and chronological order, 3 hole punched (if needed) and each year filed in a 3 ring binder. I also shredded all the additional informational sheets that had account numbers.

Table is now ½ cleared. To finish clearing I need to actually empty out the china cabinet and reorganize that.

The good news: there were also 4 items I trashed or recycled.
The bad news: I found 2 more magazines bringing my total to review up to 14. I did review/recycle 2 of them.

I also had 2 bags of stuff on the stairs waiting to go down to the basement. I took it all down & put it away.

I did not feel like what I had planned for lunch on Wed. Went foraging in my Kitchen freezer and found a pkg of ‘mystery’ meat. I had written what it was on the bag but it wore off (now I use masking tape or labels). Turned out it was ??? but tasted ok. I also found a bag of shrimp so I took that off my shopping list.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Textbooks, receipts

[disneysteve]

E-mail had ticked up to about 70. Got it back down to about 30. Not physical clutter, but still mental clutter.

[My English Castle]

A Few More Things Today

There was stuff in my home office that needed to go to the University office so that went with me today.
I also freecycled a camera and mailed an ebay sale that are both now gone from the office.
Someday the office will be clean.....