What did you declutter today? Part II

[PennyPrincess]

I went through my receipts and after matching (double checking really) against bank and credit card statements, purged quite a few. Also shredded a few older statements and other unneeded paperwork.

[disneysteve]

With the weather breaking, I will turning my attention to the garage before long for some spring cleaning.......Yikes! I may need a roll-off dumpster for this one.

You and me both.

Every time I walk through the garage (which is every day) I look around and realize how much work I have to do in there once it warms up around here. I did a bunch a while back when we had to have the garage door repaired and the front quarter of the garage looks pretty good but the other 3/4 looks horrible.

We were out of town for the past few days so nothing to report then but today, I packed up 2 big trash bags of clothes and 3 carton boxes of stuff to give to Goodwill. It was all stuff that was tossed in the corner of our bedroom and had gotten totally out of hand (like I couldn't reach the window anymore to open the shade in the morning). Looks much better now.

[snafu]

Clearing our garage was more like eating an elephant...one bite at a time to avoid getting frustrated. It helps to 1st figure out the functions you need in the space you have. [parking car, workbench & tools, planter & supplies, sport equip, yard tools, out-of-season items, auto supplies [winter tires], holiday decor, apparel, washer/dryer, trash/recycle bins, extra stuff you don''t use but aren't ready to let go]

2nd,divide your garage into sections keeping each of these 'zones' a manageable size based on lighting, electrical outlets for the stuff you want to manage. Plan small 'bites,' 20 minutes at a time.

3rd assemble supplies [sturdy trash bags, boxes & marker and begin your sort. It helps to designate zones with a piece of paper taped to wall/studs as you begin to sort.

At the end of your session, set trash/recycle, put 'donate' box in the car for drop off, re-sell items in a specific zone, and 'goes elsewhere' put away. Give yourself I big reward for your hard work.

Circle clockwise around the garage, or move from front to back if that works best for you and the way you function. When you sort items, most boxes will be labelled 'garage,' and give you a good idea of what you really want to keep in the garage.

As you work through the stuff, removing trash/recycle, and donation items each session, you will recover more space in your garage. it gets better and better. What do you want as a reward?

Once you've completed de-cluttering, set up your zones, do you need shelving? What containers best serve your needs? Do you need a workbench bolted to the wall? Do you need a potting bench? Do you have/need hooks to hang bikes or a rack for shovels, rakes, hose? Do you already store Xmas gear in bins? Will a lg. trash can hold sport equip? What do you have, what do you need?

I call the next step 'Reclamation.' Like items go together. Everything gets a label. Heavy items store below waist level. Hot item that are needed on a moment's notice get the most accessible spot. Hooks keep the ladder on the wall and bikes visible.

this is likely too much info. Sorry it got over long

[marvholly]

Guess there are some advantages to NOT having a garage after the comments here and seeing both DDs'.

I have been very good about NOT letting newspaper, coupons, email accumulate. Do and OUT.

I feel bad because I have been so remiss at working at decluttering. Mon I moved one item from the FR level office to the donate pile. Tue I went into my closet and went over a couple of old, silk pant sets. The elastic was TOTALLY shot in 3 pc. I kept 1 pants that was ok that I can wear w/other tops. Tossed the other 3 pieces. Thus I have gotten rid of more than enough pieces to balance out the 2 blouses I bought Sat.

My Dad is in the 3rd round of hospital & rehab in the last 6 months. Does NOT look like I will accomplish very much decluttering for a while.

[marvholly]

I am going to a wedding on Sun, seeing my Dad today and helping transfer him to rehab on Sat.
I will not do any cleaning, laundry or much cooking due to getting a manicure on Thur.

Decided to hit up a box in the 3rd bedroom (under the desk). Found if FULL of late DH dress shoes. Moved to the donate pile. I will not drop off anywhere until the weather is better (cold again & snowing)but it is more accounted for /planned to clear.

[FinanceVideoGuru]

Fridays are always computer file cleanup day. Organize and file away all those video files that clog up and slow down this machine!

[marvholly]

In spite of having a TON of errands to run and a wedding to attend on Sun I did my uusual weekend thing: paper read & recycled, coupons clipped and inserts filed.

At various times over the last week I reviewed 3 old magazines and recycled them. Also read and recycled 2 magazines that came during the week.

[khosta]

I decluttered my car this weekend and went through my closet! I sent unwanted clothes to the Salvation Army!

[creditcardfree]

I made a Goodwill run on Friday afternoon. Two pieces of luggage donated. And they were full of other clothing and household items we no longer needed.

I also weeded out old coupons from my coupon folders. I have two!

[KiwiJo09]

I cleared out my room and did some serious loads of laundry today. This was especially impressive (to me) since I also worked and didn't get home until 5. I need a nap!

[snafu]

Kudos, great job tackling Mount Washmore, getting though all steps wash, dry, hang, fold and most disliked task...put it all away. WOW! The Fabric Institute suggests we wash clothes worn just once or twice as 'light' wash 6-8 minutes, cold water protects color value.

Pat-on-the back for all who are making donations of purged items that bless others who will use and appreciate them. As spring draws near, it helps to sit down and review a room. What activities in your living rm for example? Relax, read, nap, watch TV, play electronic games, entertain, overnight guests. Anything that doesn't serve your activities there...needs to go elsewhere. Old souvenirs and tchokies that go will open space for future.

[PennyPrincess]

We deep cleaned the family room this weekend, going through every basket, tote, nook and cranny, and ended up throwing out 2 large black trash bags full of junk. My son cleaned up his computer area, and tossed quite a bit of broken computer parts as well.

Purged the sock collection, gone are all the worn out, mismatched socks that have been floating around "partnerless". I rewarded myself by purchasing some brand news socks, including some cute ones (on sale of course!!!)

[snafu]

Way to go Princess! It feels so great to walk into a room knowing the junk is gone! Orphan socks have always been a mystery. We've lowered the numbers by dumping socks in a lingerie bag before washing. Some people hang orphan socks on a hanger to keep them visible in hopes of finding the mate. It helps to buy several pairs that are the same, at the same time.

I've inventoried the pantry, fridge, freezer and dumped anything expired, refilled dry spice tins, and boxed any sm. tools/gizmos that weren't used in the last 10 months. I'm working towards 'color coding' as I am replacing bake pans and tools that are worn out or no longer lie flat. I got a set of red pans as a gift and they really stand out, saving time as I assemble gear. I'm watching for red measure tools. The old measures move to laundry, cleaning bucket or bthrm under sink cupboard.

[Naz56]

Over the weekend I went to my storage unit to clear up as much clutter as I could so I could keep some of my old furniture there. Worked out great.

[snafu]

Naz: Do you find it cost effective to rent a storage unit? I'm not being critical, merely curious. Is stuff safe from vermin? I've been to auctions which start with sell-off of boxes from storage units which go for $5. - $20. merchandise unknown.