What did you declutter today? Part II

[jasminhatcher]

I had big plans for today, was going to tackle our attic, but the sheer volume of things crammed in there left me feeling too overwhelmed to do anything.

[disneysteve]

I had big plans for today, was going to tackle our attic, but the sheer volume of things crammed in there left me feeling too overwhelmed to do anything.

I think the biggest thing many of us on the decluttering journey have learned is that you need to take it one step - one item - at a time. You can't focus on the big picture. Rather than climbing into the attic intent on cleaning it out, head up there with the goal of getting rid of 3 items or 5 items or some very small, very manageable number. If each time you go into the attic, you eliminate 3-5 items, over time, you'll see that "volume of things" gradually fade away.

When I started the original version of this thread (that accidentally got deleted for those of you who are new to the conversation), my stated goal was to declutter one item per day.

[snafu]

DS nailed it! Instead of the overwhelming task of tackling the attic, set a timer and spend 20 minutes each day de-cluttering the stuff in your attic. I suggest starting with a notepad to list categories. Step 1 would be to fill trash bags with any obvious trash, anything broken, not repaired within two pay cycles, paperwork that does not have tax or legal/contract consequences. 2nd, I suggest a box for items that you wish to sell or donate. If you haven't needed or used items, why not let someone else enjoy it? Perhaps concentrate on one quadrant at a time, boxing and labeling like items.

If you have valuable furniture or collectables, make sure they are in a safe environment. Attics can be cold or damp or too hot for some materials. If you let us know your categories readers can make helpful suggestions from their experiences. We can all cheer on your efforts.

[Nightfly]

On occasion my better half comes home from a store with a new purchase (which, while this does still happen, the frequency has been reduced very greatly). At that point I make a mental note to offload something to Goodwill that has been sitting around our closets which she won't notice is gone. Year to date my "charity drop-off trip" total is over 8. I make sure that the "drop-off" volume is large enough to reduce clutter, but small enough to keep family harmony. Working so far.

[snafu]

Nightfly: While I understand your reasoning, I don't agree with disposing of your spouse's stuff without her knowledge. Why not ask the family to start a new [to them] system. Every new items requires at least one old, similar item relinquished. That means new shoes in - similar old shoes out, new winter coat, old coat to charity, new coffee maker, old goes before the packaging even opened!

This is a good time to review your duds. Set an example making it clear you're ready to do more than talk. Drawer by drawer, review your stuff, trashing anything tatty, stained, ripped, elastic sprung; anything in good condition but not worn for more than a year, can go to your charity of choice. Bless someone else with your generosity, [ask for a tax receipt].

We saw huge changes after the 1st few rounds of releases. DH [clothes horse in this house] didn't buy because didn't want to relinquish existing stuff! If space is an issue as it was here, a 2nd step set limits on 'how much was enough.' We had a family meeting where teen DKs decided that 12 was the magic number. No more than a dozen in categories like T's, shirts, slacks, jeans, shoes, limitless undies but nothing tatty.

[Nightfly]

Snafu: while I see your point, my better half had an entire garage filled, top to bottom with stuff (actually, junk) when we met. It took three trips to the local landfill to get rid of it. Once I took care of that MAJOR project for which she was truly grateful, it's an unspoken, though understood, rule in our household that the clutter will never take over again. She has learned in our time together that I don't tolerate junk well which means unless something gets regular use, it goes bye-bye. That's how our house works; everyone is different.

[disneysteve]

unless something gets regular use, it goes bye-bye.

This is one that we struggle with. We have many things that are perfectly good and functional and we like but we simply don't use or use them exceedingly rarely but hate to get rid of them.
I think those are the toughest things to part with. It is much easier to clear out the broken and worn out items and the hopelessly outdated clothing and things that won't ever fit again. Also in this category is items with sentimental value. Even if you don't use them, you hate to dispose of them.

[Krazykat]

Thanks KK--and I did get a receipt. I also took five bags of paper to the shredders yesterday, and swapped a bag of outgrown clothes for a bag for a friend's daughter.

I broke my shredder and still haven't replaced it

[snafu]

KK: It's important to stay in control of paper flow. Until you replace the shredder, merely rip the part of the bill/paperwork that has identifiers like name, account number, SIN, DL, when you're done with it. I doubt every bit of paper needs shredding, only sections that would help someone steal your identity. How prevalent is that in your community?

DS: We all have items that are only used annually or for a particular project but if I understand correctly, you're storing items that you don't use because it is still functional. Are you keeping items merely because you have space in the basement or garage? Why not re-gift, sell or donate so that someone else can use and enjoy items that no longer serve your needs? Too often these functional items become obsolete. Technology overtakes old computers, TVs, printers, telephones, VCRs, DVDs, and all manner of small appliances.

It does take time and effort to look after stuff, move stuff around to get at the item you want. Do you find yourself saying.." I know I have an _______, somewhere down here?"

[Eric80]

I have just started to de-clutter my flat because I am moving out. I didn’t realise how much stuff I have accumulated and horded away until now. So far I sold a box of college books back to the university. I have also given away a few electronically games and old VCR’s and videos to the charity shop. I am still cleaning and de-cluttering. I hope to make some money selling my unwanted stuff and have an easier move without taking so many items. Win-Win situation.

[disneysteve]

Just went through the stack of accumulated mail on the kitchen table, a task I try to do weekly. My desk has gotten a bit cluttered again so I'm going to deal with that today, too. Having had 3 weeks vacation in the past 2 months gave things a chance to accumulate again so I need to get back on track.

[snafu]

Eric80: Moving is a huge motivator to shed the items no longer used, worn or serving your needs. Good on you for selling books, giving electronic games and donating to the charity shop so that someone else can enjoy those items.

It's a lot of work to pack, lug, move, unpack and find the place to store un-needed stuff. I suggest you take photos of items you're ready to sell, repeatedly posting on Buy 'n Sell, Kijjiji [local e-bay] & Craig's list with a brief description until they sell or near to moving day. Better to donate items that didn't sell to a charity getting a tax deduction.

[disneysteve]

Just entered a bunch of Coke rewards points and got rid of the box tops and bottle caps from that. Gathered all of my loose change into a bag to take to be counted. Will try to do that sometime this week. If nothing else, it helped clean up my dresser.

[Krazykat]

KK: It's important to stay in control of paper flow. Until you replace the shredder, merely rip the part of the bill/paperwork that has identifiers like name, account number, SIN, DL, when you're done with it. I doubt every bit of paper needs shredding, only sections that would help someone steal your identity. How prevalent is that in your community?

DS: We all have items that are only used annually or for a particular project but if I understand correctly, you're storing items that you don't use because it is still functional. Are you keeping items merely because you have space in the basement or garage? Why not re-gift, sell or donate so that someone else can use and enjoy items that no longer serve your needs? Too often these functional items become obsolete. Technology overtakes old computers, TVs, printers, telephones, VCRs, DVDs, and all manner of small appliances.

It does take time and effort to look after stuff, move stuff around to get at the item you want. Do you find yourself saying.." I know I have an _______, somewhere down here?"

I have been doing it by hand, which sucks. I have a huge pile to get through too now.

speaking of TV's, I have 2 old ones I need to get rid of. not looking forward to it.

[krantcents]

I decluttered my classroom. I went to my new assignment and ended up cleaning out my new classroom. The classroom now looks organized and I feel good about starting tomorrow.