2017 Decluttering thread

[creditcardfree]

While we are purging, a lot of what remains we want to keep. I'd love to buy a dozen of these: Distribution container with hinged lid

I have a clear one with a blue lid that I inherited from my father in law. Eventually I invested in a couple that are red and green for storage of Christmas decor. I do like the attached lids! Keep your eyes open for these to go on sale at the end of the month or January, as that is a typical time people want to organize and buy bins! I'm sure Target, or Home Depot will carry something similar so compare prices and features.

[disneysteve]

I set a goal for myself last month to do at least one bin full of shredding each week. I've stayed mostly on track. I missed last week but did 2 bags full this week to "catch up". So that's 4 rounds of shredding so far and the bag of stuff waiting to shred is almost completely empty for the first time in a long time.

Of course, after the end of the year, I will have a bunch of new stuff to shred once I get all of the year-end financial statements, review bills for the year, etc. But at least I'm starting with an empty bag instead of one that is already overflowing.

[snafu]

Well done disney steve ! I hate filing so laughed at myself filing December's bills a few days ago knowing as soon as end of December stuff comes in, I'll input our numbers and get rid of un needed paper. I've rationalized to a one page, monthly print out of Net Worth that includes 'Watch List' [notes] should DH be forced to take responsibility for our finances. It's been a particularly helpful project that allowed me to occupy my mind looking forward instead of getting upset over things I can't control.

[Thrif-t]

It used to be a big job for me to shred or burn all our old papers but now I either take them to a shredding day that is offered at our credit union, or to work and throw them little at a time in our locked shredding bins (shhh don't tell my employer).

[snafu]

It's minus 38C here today and all AM, government announcements were flashing at the bottom of the screen warning outdoor conditions were dangerous. With plan to shop sales squished, I spent about an hour de-cluttering beginning with a quick purge of pantry items to drop off at a nearby fire hall collection box for the Food Bank.

At entry, the two pairs of tatty boots that have been replaced, were trashed's. I'm hopeful DH will review his hats/cap and let some go. I gathered up all the catalogues, magazines and junk mail that accumulated in the month for our recycle bin. The Condo Board's Annual Statement surprised me as I noticed we pay twice as much for annual recycle service than for trash! We recently are required to have 'compost' service. That cost is yet to be determined!

I was motivated to take a few minutes to pull 'paid' bills that have no tax consequences. It's just habit to retain and file. Financial binder not yet purged of excess materials. I'm having a difficult time of non financial anxiety preparing a budget for 2018 as we reluctantly transition as retirees.

Since I was on a roll, I pulled the few shabby towels that had accumulated. I've a blanket to add to the bag to go to an animal shelter asking for donations. Tomorrow after a couple of early AM appointments, I'll clear out expired and un-needed personal hygiene products and cosmetics.

Closets seems up-to-date as we do seasonal change-out.

[cypher1]

Dropping a bag of old clothes, bed sheets, towels, DVDs to the Goodwill. Recycled a bunch of boxes I was holding onto. Gonna go through the kitchen and office one more time before the new year.

[disneysteve]

Dropping a bag of old clothes, bed sheets, towels, DVDs to the Goodwill.

I made a Goodwill run today also. One bag of clothes from us plus 2 bags of clothes and a small box of assorted stuff from my mother and a couple of her neighbors.

I've got more that could go but it's cold and snowing here and I didn't feel like dealing with it. Oh well. The tax deduction isn't that big a deal. I'll get it over there when the weather is better.

[cypher1]

I've got more that could go but it's cold and snowing here and I didn't feel like dealing with it. Oh well. The tax deduction isn't that big a deal. I'll get it over there when the weather is better.

While I don't depend on the tax deduction, it is nice. Since I have to go out for errands today (being -8 in MN), I might as well go through and toss out some bigger items.

As for kitchen declutter, does anyone go through their items besides clearing out expired food, etc.? I've been trying to simplify cookware, glassware, minimize certain appliances. Since I've had a roommate again, certain items have doubled for stocking up. Which I understand will be temporary.

[snafu]

cypher@
We rationalized non food kitchen equipment and supplies a couple of years ago when I re-organized the kitchen into 'zones.' I'd read tableware, service for eight was adequate for most families and the theory proved true. We've a galley type kitchen so it operate on a 'use it or lose it' basis.

Grateful for a pantry with space for an appliance 'garage.' Limited counter space must be clear of clutter, ready for service preparing the next meal. Suggest dumping kitchen hand tools you haven't used in the last two months in a shoebox, to secondary storage, retrieving anything missed in the following 6 weeks. A heavy, small sized crock on the counter conveniently holds hand tools used nearly daily like ladle, slotted spoon, spatula, stir spoon, turner, whisk.

Sunk funds are irrelevant. Once the money is spent it will not return, no matter how long you keep items. Rather than continue to look after stuff that you don't use and don't need, better to sell, re-gift, donate, recycle or trash as preferred.

[Bluebird]

I dropped off my last donation bag of the year to Goodwill on 12/27. I have a small bag of boys clothes to give to my neighbor for her son. I did a huge delutter this year, so I don't expect to have as much in 2018, but I will continue to declutter!

[disneysteve]

As for kitchen declutter, does anyone go through their items besides clearing out expired food, etc.? I've been trying to simplify cookware, glassware, minimize certain appliances.

We did the Marie Kondo thing last year with glassware and cooking utensils.

We gathered EVERY piece of glassware we owned from the kitchen, basement, and anywhere else. We put them all together on the table and counter and went through them piece by piece to decide what we really used and needed. From that exercise, we packed up nearly 100 glasses that we sold at our yard sale a short time later.

We did the same with cooking utensils like spoons, spatulas, whisks, brushes, strainers, etc. We found every single one we could in the house and spread them out on the table. We picked out the ones we like best and use the most and all of the rest went in a box for Goodwill.

I highly recommend Marie Kondo's method for this type of decluttering.

[disneysteve]

Thanks to everyone who has posted here. I'm going to close this thread and start a new one for 2018.